Glutamic acid

Glutamic acid (often simply called glutamate) is an essential amino acid that is widely distributed in nature and plays an important role in metabolic processes in the human body. It is one of the most abundant amino acids found in proteins and has several vital functions:

Role of glutamic acid:

1. Neurotransmitter: Glutamic acid serves as an important excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It promotes the transmission of nerve signals between neurons, which is important for learning and memory.
2. Metabolic function: Glutamic acid is involved in the processes of protein synthesis and breakdown, as well as in the urea cycle and gluconeogenesis (the formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources).
3. Ammonia detoxification: It helps remove excess ammonia from the brain, converting it into less toxic substances.
4. Energy source for cells: Under certain conditions, such as fasting, glutamic acid can be used as an energy source for cells.

Glutamic acid is also used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer known as monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is added to many foods to enhance their taste.

Indications Glutamic acid

1. Support Digestive Health: Glutamic acid may be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and other digestive disorders.
2. Immune support: Glutamic acid plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, so it can be used to strengthen the immune system and prevent infections.
3. Speed recovery after injury or surgery: Glutamic acid helps repair damaged tissue and speed up the healing process.
4. Sports Nutrition: Glutamic acid can be used by athletes to increase endurance, speed recovery after exercise, and reduce the risk of muscle strain.
5. Maintain a healthy nervous system: Glutamic acid may help support the health and function of the nervous system.

Release form

Glutamic acid is usually available as a powder, capsules or tablets for oral administration, or as an injection.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Neurotransmitter: Glutamic acid is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It is actively involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, playing a key role in the excitation of nerve cells.
2. Providing energy: Glutamic acid is one of the main sources of energy for cells, especially for cells with high activity, such as cells of the immune system, intestinal epithelial cells and some brain cells.
3. Participation in amino acid metabolism: Glutamic acid is a key participant in amino acid metabolism in the body. It is involved in the synthesis of other amino acids, such as arginine and glutamate, as well as in the formation of amino acid derivatives.
4. Role in the immune system: Glutamic acid plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system, especially in supporting the function of lymphocytes and macrophages, which play a key role in fighting infection and disease.
5. Participation in metabolic processes: Glutamic acid is involved in a variety of metabolic processes, including protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis (formation of glucose from non-glucose sources) and ammonium metabolism.
6. Role in Digestion: Glutamic acid helps maintain the health of the gastrointestinal mucosa, improving its integrity and functional state.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Dietary Glutamic Acid: After oral administration, glutamic acid is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized in the liver, as well as in other tissues, and is used as an energy source or for the synthesis of other substances.
2. Injectable Glutamic Acid: When injected, glutamic acid is quickly distributed throughout the tissues and organs of the body. Its metabolism and excretion depend on many factors, including the patient's general condition and renal function.

Dosing and administration

1. To improve post-workout recovery: It is generally recommended to take 5 to 10 g of glutamic acid per day. This can be done in several doses throughout the day, including before and after workouts.
2. To support general health and immunity: The recommended dosage is 500 mg to 2 grams of glutamic acid per day. This can also be divided into several techniques.
3. For certain health conditions: Dosage may be adjusted depending on your specific health condition and your doctor's recommendations. For example, some bowel diseases or after surgery may require a higher dose.

Use Glutamic acid during pregnancy

Glutamic acid is generally considered a safe amino acid supplement during pregnancy, as it is a natural component of many foods and is a component of many body tissues.

Contraindications

1. Amino acid metabolic disorders: In people with rare inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism (eg, glutamic acid), the use of glutamic acid may be contraindicated and requires caution under medical supervision.
2. Diabetes mellitus: Glutamic acid may affect blood glucose levels, so patients with diabetes mellitus should be careful when using it and perhaps consult a doctor.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Information on the safety of glutamic acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so its use requires consultation with a doctor.
4. Renal Impairment: Glutamic acid may cause effects on the kidneys and its use may be contraindicated or require dosage adjustment in patients with renal impairment.
5. Liver Impairment: Similar to renal impairment, glutamic acid may affect the liver and its use may be contraindicated or require dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment.

Side effects Glutamic acid

Side effects of glutamic acid are usually rare and occur mainly when recommended doses are exceeded or in the presence of individual intolerance. Possible side effects may include:

1. Gastrointestinal tract disorders: bloating, gas formation, diarrhea, nausea.
2. Allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
3. Headache or dizziness.
4. Muscle pain or weakness.
5. Increased levels of ammonium in the blood (hyperammonemia) with long-term and high-dose use, which can lead to neurological symptoms.

Overdose

1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: When consuming excess amounts of glutamine, symptoms associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal discomfort may occur.
2. Risk of Liver Damage: In some people with a predisposition to liver disease or liver dysfunction, excessive intake of glutamic acid may increase the risk of developing liver failure or worsen existing liver problems.
3. Effects on the nervous system: Dizziness, headache, insomnia, anxiety and other central nervous system symptoms may occur, especially with high doses of glutamic acid.
4. Interaction with other medications: When consuming high doses of glutamic acid, there may be an interaction with certain medications, which may lead to undesirable effects or increase their effects.
5. Effects on Blood Ammonium Levels: Excessive intake of glutamic acid may increase blood ammonium levels, which may be harmful to people with impaired amino acid metabolism or liver function.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Methotrexate: Glutamic acid may reduce the toxicity of methotrexate when used.
2. Aminoglycoside antibiotics: Combining glutamic acid with aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase their toxicity.
3. Chemotherapy drugs: When glutamic acid is taken concomitantly with chemotherapy drugs, an enhanced therapeutic effect may be observed.
4. Drugs that affect amino acid metabolism: Some drugs, such as heparin or sulfonamides, can affect the metabolism of amino acids in the body, including glutamic acid.

Storage conditions

Glutamic acid is usually stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Recommended storage temperatures may vary depending on the specific manufacturer and the form of the drug (powder, capsules, tablets, etc.), so it is important to follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor. Typically, glutamic acid is stored at room temperature (15°C to 25°C).

It is also important to avoid storing the drug in places exposed to high humidity, as this may lead to its spoilage or deterioration in quality. If the correct storage conditions are observed, glutamic acid can usually retain its properties for a certain period of time indicated on the packaging or in the instructions for the drug.