The Benefits of Glutamic Acid

Glutamic acid is a non essential amino acid that has a number of effects, most of which are due to its ability to convert to Glutamine, one of the most important amino acids. Of particular interest to athletes, it positively impacts energy production, wound healing, emergency energy release, immune system health, and a number of other factors.

Glutamic acid on its own works as a neurotransmitter and has some minor performance enhancing capabilities. However, for the most part, it is important because of its role in the production of other chemicals, most notably Glutamine.

Glutamic acid intake is important in the creation of new muscle tissue. Glutamic acid creates substances that are necessary components of muscle fiber.

Also, it is responsible for the production of amino acids that work to prevent the body from destroying muscle tissue during intense exercise.

One of the worst things that can happen to an athlete in training is to have to take time off from the gym due to a wound or injury. Taking Glutamic acid supplements can reduce the amount of training time lost since Glutamic acid has been shown to be instrumental in the process of wound healing and recovery. Glutamic acid also decreases the amount of time it takes to recover from burn injuries.

Bodybuilding & Amino Acids

As every bodybuilder and strength athlete knows, growth hormone is vital to the successful creation and retention of muscle mass. Studies have shown that Glutamic acid, through its ability to create the amino acid Glutamine, helps stimulate the production of growth hormone.

Sometimes we concentrate so much on our muscles and more obvious organs such as the heart and the lungs, we forget that the brain is responsible for everything we do. The brain, just like the heart, can grow tired and cause us to feel sluggish, restless, and reduce our ability to perform at peak capacity. Glutamic acid serves as energy for the brain, and taking a Glutamic acid supplement may be useful if you are bothered by frequent bouts of mental fatigue, particularly after rigorous exercise.

Glutamic Acid Is Vital To Having
A Healthy Immune System

It is often noticed that athletes who consistently push themselves to and beyond their physical limits seem to get sick at a higher rate than other people. One reason for this is that exercise can deplete the supplies of Glutamic acid, and it is one of the main energy sources for the human immune system. Therefore, athletes who consistently train at the edge of their physical limits should consider taking a supplement to ensure the continued functioning of the immune system.

Glutamic acid supplements can have a number of benefits, most of which are due to its status as the precursor to the amino acid Glutamine. One note of caution--it is chemically related to Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Therefore, people who are allergic to MSG should not take this supplement.

More Amino Acid Supplements

Read more on BCAA - Branched Chain Amino Acids for muscle building.

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Aspartic Acid
• Carnitine
• Cysteine
• Dopa
• Glutamic Acid
• Glutathione
• Histidine
• Isoleucine*
• Leucine *
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Ornithine
• Phenylalanine
• Taurine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Tyrosine
• Valine *