Glutamic acid – what is it, composition, for what is used in sports, bodybuilding. Preparations and products with acid and how to take them

Most professional athletes are faced with the concept of “glutamic acid,” and they know what it is. But this amino acid is useful not only for physical exertion, but also for the proper functioning of the body, to maintain the reproductive health of women and the prevention of a number of diseases.

According to scientists, the content of this acid is about 25% of all amino acids contained in the human body.

Glutamic acid – what is it

In all living things, glutamine, respectively, and glutamic acid are found in proteins, low molecular weight substances and in a free state. It is an organic compound having two acid groups, refers to conditionally replaceable amino acids.

Glutamic acid, or rather, its synthetic analogue, is found in many food products and acts as flavoring additives, has a “meat” taste.

When reading the composition of a product, you can pay attention to the following additives:

• Neurotransmitter E620;
• E624;
• E622;
• E621;
• E625.

All these are glutamates, that is, substances obtained from glutamine conjugated with magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc.  If such “E” are present, then this is all synthetic glutamic acid. But in its natural form, glutamine is present in foods in sufficient quantities for humans.

What foods contain glutamic acid

According to doctors, it is very difficult to exclude glutamine from the diet by 100%, since it is contained in a sufficient amount of the foods we consume. In their composition:

• hard cheeses;
• cow’s milk;
• eggs
• meat of duck, young chicken;
• pork;
• beef;
• Fish and seafood;
• vegetables: carrots, beets, green peas, corn, onions, tomatoes, peppers;
• mushrooms;
• walnuts;
• soy sauce.

One way or another, glutamate is present in the diet of any person. The only difference is the amount of glutamic acid consumed. What does it give The amount of amino acid consumed affects the nervous system, the regeneration of skin cells, as well as the energy produced by humans.

Glutamic acid is found in free or bound form in all of the foods listed above. Sometimes in the process of heat or other culinary processing, glutamate passes from bound to free form, which is why the taste changes.

The largest amount of glutamic acid is found in the kombu and nori algae.

It is no accident that the discovery of this amino acid occurred in Japan, where these products are abundant.

Glutamic acid as a drug

It is well known that glutamic acid is a substance that can have not only natural, but also synthetic origin. In other words, with a lack of glutamine, you can take special medications to make up for its deficiency in the body.

It is worth noting that the synthetic form is in no way inferior to naturally produced glutamine, has the same effect on the body and is also easily absorbed.

Most pharmacological companies on the American market produce glutamine-containing drugs. The amount of amino acid in different products varies.

Thus, we can distinguish:

• single-component preparations that contain only glutamic acid;
• multicomponent preparations in which other components are present.

The pharmacological effect of glutamic acid is nootropic. That is, drugs with a high content of artificial glutamine affect the brain, stimulating the work of certain of its functions.

Glutamic acid belongs to the following pharmacological groups:

• Detoxifying agents;
• Proteins, amino acids;
• Other neurotropic drugs.

Release form, composition, active substance

The most common form of release is coated tablets. Glutamic acid itself is the main active ingredient; other auxiliary substances may also be present, but their dosage is minimal.

They are needed in order for this amino acid to be absorbed quickly and completely in the body. Also, excipients help maintain the specific form in which glutamine is released.

There are other options for release: powder and in the form of granules to obtain a suspension. Each dosage form is developed by specialists so that the active substances begin their action in the body as quickly as possible.

Speaking of a single-component preparation, we can distinguish the main active ingredient – glutamic acid, and auxiliary components. They are often represented by potato starch, gelatin, talc and calcium.

Their variability is possible due to a change in the form of the drug, or at the discretion of the manufacturer of the drug.

What the body needs glutamic acid for

Scientists have proven the fact that this amino acid is one of the 20 most important for the human body.

Glutamine has the following abilities:

• regulate acid-base balance;
• quickly deliver the necessary trace elements;
• stimulate the growth of new skin cells;
• slow down the aging process of the skin;
• increase the level of nitrogen in the body;
• to form immunity;
• neutralize ammonia formed in the body;
• synthesize folic acid;
• help transfer physical and psychological stress to the body;
• establish metabolic processes;
• increase mental abilities.

This is how glutamic acid works. A properly balanced diet with a high content of glutamine will be the main condition for toned and healthy skin. If a person eats “anyhow”, then the balance is lost and the destruction of cells and then tissues occurs.

And this applies not only to the skin. Nerve cells are destroyed, bonds between other amino acids, etc. are lost.

Glutamine amino acid obtained from food or special medications has a wide range of actions, but self-medication is not recommended, only after consulting a specialist.

Instructions for use. Indications for use

Having found widespread use in medicine, glutamic acid helps to cope with many ailments, positively affecting the human nervous system.

This is the most prescribed drug for:

• epilepsy;
• schizophrenia;
• Cerebral palsy;
• severe mental disorders, psychoses;
• protracted depression;
• poliomyelitis;
• developmental delay of the child;
• transferred effects of encephalitis, meningitis.

Glutamic acid is prescribed in combination with other drugs. It becomes clear that this amino acid helps to improve the patient’s condition with many disorders, both physical and psychological.

Therefore, upon hearing the question “Glutamic acid – what is it” any doctor will explain to the patient about the clear benefits of the drug used.

Contraindications

There are also some conditions when taking this drug is prohibited:

• high sensitivity to the active substance of the drug;
• obesity;
• fever;
• renal and liver failure;
• anemia;
• strong excitability;
• stomach ulcer;
• nephrotic syndrome.

  

The doctor prescribes a dosage depending on the complexity and nature of the ongoing disease. The course is at least 1-2 months, but can reach 6-12 months. Also, during the period of taking the medicine, it is necessary to regularly take tests to monitor the patient’s condition.

It is always necessary to remember: from an excess of glutamic acid, excessive glutamine can accumulate in the intercellular space, which leads to the death of nerve cells, obesity, metabolic disturbances and even heart function.

What is glutamic acid used for in sports

In addition to the medical benefits, glutamic acid has other advantages: it is not so expensive and is an integral part of the life of professional athletes.

Manufacturers of sports nutrition produce about 3.5 million tons of pure amino acids per year, as well as many drugs with various additives. In this form, it can be bought both in pharmacies and in specialized stores.

The benefits of this amino acid are obvious. Glutamine mainly synthesizes various amino acids in the body (its work accounts for about 50% of all such processes).

So, with a large amount of glutamine, the efficiency of muscles, their endurance, increases significantly. The time it takes the athlete to recover muscles after exercise is proportionally reduced.

If the body has enough glutamine, then potassium ions are freely distributed in muscle cells. Thanks to this process, muscles begin to contract better, therefore, their functionality increases.

Some athletes use glutamic acid not in its pure form, but in conjunction with substances such as glycine, cystine. These combinations help increase the endurance of all muscles, as well as normalize the work of the cardiovascular system.

But with all the factors of the positive effect of glutamic acid on the body, experts warn: you should not expect stunning results from the drug, since this amino acid is not an anabolic steroid.

Although most athletes who use glutamine, noted an improvement in general condition, quick recovery after training, better muscle work.

How glutamic acid is used in bodybuilding

Glutamic acid significantly helps bodybuilders. If you know what it is and apply it correctly, you can improve not only the quality of the skin, but also gain the necessary weight.

Although the drug itself does not affect weight gain, it indirectly contributes to this:

• Firstly, the correct metabolism is important in weight gain. With the modern rhythm of life and the consumption of “artificial” food, this process is disrupted in most of our compatriots. To resume metabolic processes, many amino acids are needed. Glutamic acid, breaking down, turns very quickly into those that the body needs;
• Secondly , good immunity helps speed up the process of gaining muscle mass, which contributes to glutamine;
• Thirdly , this acid is a conductor of nitrogen into the human body. It’s no secret that due to nitrogen metabolism, muscle cells grow at an accelerated rate;
• Fourth , for professional athletes who use steroids, glutamine is necessary so as not to undermine their health, as its vulnerability becomes higher.

For athletes, a beautiful body is also important. And here glutamic acid is an indispensable helper. The amino acid acts in such a way that the process of cell regeneration is accelerated, the skin itself becomes softer and looks radiant.

Dosage regimens, dosage

For each organism, for each disease or its prevention, an appropriate glutamic acid intake schedule is prescribed. But there are also universal tips on how to do this. They can be read in the instructions for the drug.

Typically, the drug is taken 2-3 times a day, in the morning and after lunch, daily. Glutamic acid is not a quick-acting tablet, so it is very important to take the drug every day.

Athletes can add glutamine to a protein or gainer, as well as dilute with water. Important! If there was a workout on the day of glutamic acid intake, then it is better to take a pill in the morning and immediately after it.

If the drug is taken for prevention, then you can start taking it in the autumn or spring, when immunity needs support as never before. Drinking tablets is recommended 10 minutes before meals or with meals.

Dosage is calculated according to gender, age and weight. To increase the functionality of muscles, girls need only 5 grams 2 times a day, men – 5-10 grams 2 times a day.

Doctors still insist on a preliminary consultation so that the patient does not receive unexpected effects from taking the drug or an overdose of glutamine.

Glutamic acid in children

Children may also suffer from some mental disorders, birth defects or acquired ailments of a neurological nature. In such cases, specialists prescribe a glutamine preparation, which is one of the links in maintenance therapy.

There are not many drugs that are allowed for children under one year of age, but glutam
ic acid is one of them. The doctor may prescribe a course of tablets with:

• postpartum injuries
• polio and its consequences,
• Cerebral palsy,
• oligophrenia,
• ZPR.

Also for children, there are dosages (for a single dose of the drug):

• babies in their first year of life – no more than 100 mg;
• children 1-2 years old – no more than 150 mg;
• children 3-4 years old – no more than 250 mg;
• children 5-6 years old – no more than 400 mg;
• children 7-9 years old – no more than 500 mg;
• from 10 years – 1000 mg.

These dosages can be increased at the discretion of the attending physician, the number of doses per day can also vary: 1 or 2 per day.

Glutamic acid in gynecology

Known fact: for the birth of healthy children, you need to be careful about the period of pregnancy planning. But not always a woman manages to quickly become pregnant. Some diseases can be treated with glutamic acid.

By stimulating blood circulation, glutamine contributes to the rapid restoration of the reproductive system after surgery. Hormonal disorders are traditionally treated with hormone replacement therapy, but glutamine amino acid also plays an important role here.

With an irregular cycle or rare ovulation, this drug can also be prescribed, because with such diagnoses it is very difficult to get pregnant.

The treatment regimen is prescribed in accordance with the cycle of a woman:

• In the first half, the doctor prescribes to drink vitamin E (prepares the endometrium for attachment of the fertilized egg) and folic acid (prevention of abnormalities in the development of the embryo);
• In the second half of the cycle, a woman is also recommended to take vitamin E, but now in triple dosage, as well as glutamic acid, which speeds up the metabolism and improves blood circulation.

Any violation of the female reproductive system is treated exclusively by professionals and many of them are supporters of glutamic acid intake even during the period of gestation.

Feasible side effects

With uncontrolled intake of acid, the following can be observed:

• Allergy,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Severe abdominal pain
• Loose stool
• High excitability.

If the drug is taken for too long a period of time, it accumulates in organisms and the following are possible:

• Low hemoglobin,
• Leukopenia
• Cracks around the mouth and lips
• Irritation in the mouth.

Interaction with other drugs

Glutamic acid is used together with thiamine and pyridoxine in the treatment and prevention of neurotoxic phenomena caused by drugs such as phtivazide, isoniazid, etc.

If dystrophy of muscle tissue is observed, the effectiveness of glutamic acid increases when used together with glycocol and pachycarpine.

Overdose

Excessive use of the drug contributes to the development of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Treatment is heavy drinking, gastric lavage, intake of absorbents (for example, activated charcoal).

Where to buy, price, storage conditions, shelf life

In its pure form, a drug called “Glutamic acid” is very simple to find, it can be the nearest pharmacy or a specialized sports nutrition store. Amino acid on average costs from $ 0,23 – $ 1,16 per pack (10 tablets of 250 mg). As for sports supplements with glutamine, the price per jar will be much higher.

Tablets are dispensed without a prescription; shelf life is 3 years under storage conditions not exceeding 25 degrees. Not only athletes who use glutamic acid know what it is, but also many parents of children with disabilities, women of reproductive age and just people who are attentive to their health.

With a large number of beneficial properties, glutamic acid is available to everyone. Deficiency of this amino acid leads to various unpleasant processes in the body, so its replenishment all year round is so important.

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