Glutamic Acid
The brain's main excitatory messenger and umami taste.
What is Glutamic Acid?
Glutamic acid (glutamate) is the most abundant amino acid in dietary protein and the brain's principal excitatory neurotransmitter. It fuels energy metabolism, is the precursor to the calming neurotransmitter GABA and to glutamine, and is responsible for the savory "umami" taste.
Health benefits of Glutamic Acid
- The main excitatory neurotransmitter, key to learning and memory
- Precursor to GABA, a calming neurotransmitter
- Supports energy metabolism in cells
- Used to make glutamine, important for gut and immune cells
Top food sources of Glutamic Acid
See full rankingMeat, fish, eggs, dairy, mushrooms, tomatoes, soy and aged cheeses. Values shown per 100 g.
Soy protein isolate
17,452 mg
Soy protein isolate, potassium type
17,452 mg
Soy protein isolate, potassium type, crude protein basis
17,452 mg
Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, SUPRO
16,800 mg
Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, ProPlus
16,400 mg
Seeds, cottonseed flour, low fat (glandless)
12,476 mg
Seeds, cottonseed meal, partially defatted (glandless)
12,293 mg
Soy protein concentrate, produced by alcohol extraction
12,013 mg
Soy protein concentrate, produced by acid wash
12,013 mg
Soy protein concentrate, crude protein basis (N x 6.25), produced by acid wash
12,013 mg
Seeds, sunflower seed flour, partially defatted
11,770 mg
Egg, white, dried, powder, glucose reduced
11,496 mg
How much Glutamic Acid do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It is the most plentiful amino acid in protein foods, and the body also produces it.
Glutamic Acid deficiency
There is no dietary requirement; the body makes glutamate readily, so deficiency is not a concern.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does Glutamic Acid do?
Glutamic acid (glutamate) is the most abundant amino acid in dietary protein and the brain's principal excitatory neurotransmitter. It fuels energy metabolism, is the precursor to the calming neurotransmitter GABA and to glutamine, and is responsible for the savory "umami" taste.
How much Glutamic Acid do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It is the most plentiful amino acid in protein foods, and the body also produces it.
Which foods are highest in Glutamic Acid?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Soy protein isolate, Soy protein isolate, potassium type, Soy protein isolate, potassium type, crude protein basis, Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, SUPRO, Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, ProPlus.
What happens if I don't get enough Glutamic Acid?
There is no dietary requirement; the body makes glutamate readily, so deficiency is not a concern.