Glutamic acid

Glutamic acid is a non-essential alpha-amino acid that plays a central role in protein biosynthesis and cellular metabolism. In the human body, it is converted to glutamate, which acts as the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate nervous system. Glutamic acid is involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory by activating both ionotropic (AMPA, kainate, NMDA) and metabotropic glutamate receptors. It also supports metabolic processes, cardiac function, immune detoxification, muscle recovery after exercise, and helps maintain skin pH. Clinically, it has been used for conditions like hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria (low or absent stomach acid), hepatic encephalopathy symptoms management in liver dysfunction, and may have roles in supporting brain health[1][2][3][5][6][7].

Other names

a-aminoglutaric acidGlutamate