Glutamic Acid (Plasma)

The brain’s major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (also known as glutamic acid) functions as the on switch in the brain. Glutamate regulates appetite, thinking (cognition), increases gut motility, optimizes learning, modulates memory, improves libido, decreases sleep and contributes to oxidative stress. Chronic stress maintains high levels of glutamate in the brain which may lead to excitotoxicity and even neuronal damage. Research shows that urinary glutamate levels are high in patients with celiac disease and with hyperthyroidism.

Clinically, high glutamate is suspected in anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and impulsivity, inability to focus
(racing thoughts), obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, sleep difficulties, and stroke. When glutamate is high, calming
GABA, L-theanine, and taurine may be beneficial to counter glutamate actions. Vitamin E and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) may be
used to combat oxidative damage. Cofactor supplementation with vitamins B3 and B6, and magnesium and NAC may aid with
glutamate metabolism.

Disorders possibly related to high glutamate in urine:

- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar disorder
- Celiac disease
- Depression
- Hyperthyroidism
- Insomnia
- OCD
- Panic
- Stroke

Other possible symptoms:

- Neurotoxicity
- Stress, anxiety
- Low mood
- Sleep disturbances

Low glutamic acid levels indicate ammonia toxicity, with symptoms including headache, irritability, and fatigue, especially if high glutamine. Low protein, high complex carbohydrate and B6, á-KG and BCAA’s suggested to correct ammonia toxicity.

Disorders possibly related to low glutamate in urine:
- Agitation
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Lethargy
- Migraines

Other possible symptoms:

- Fatigue
- Poor brain function
- Poor memory

Glutamic acid (or Glutamate) is a major mediator of excitatory signals in the brain and is involved in most aspects of normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning.