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Glutamic acid (Glutamic acid, E620)
Glutamic acid is called an aliphatic dicarboxylic amino acid, which is part of the group of substitutes. As a dietary supplement, glutamic acid belongs to the group of flavorings, flavor enhancers and aroma (calorizator). In the international classification of food additives, glutamic acid is assigned the index E620. The substance forms salts that are also used as food additives-flavor enhancers: monosodium glutamate E621, potassium glutamate E622, calcium diglutamate E623, ammonium glutamate E624, magnesium glutamate E625.
General Characteristics of Glutamic Acid
Natural glutamic acid is found in many living organisms, for example, the human body receives glutamic acid from food. It, as one of the most important non-essential amino acids, participates in nitrogen metabolism and directly interacts with the receptors of neurons, exciting them. Synthetic glutamic acid is a product of the synthesis of methanol and trifluoroacetic acid, so it is obtained in laboratories. Glutamic acid looks like white crystals, odorless, with a slightly sour taste, slightly soluble in water.
Benefits and harms of Glutamic Acid
Glutamic substituted amino acid has an effect on the activity of the central nervous system, in particular on the neural nerve endings. Occasionally there are allergic reactions to E620, excessive consumption of products containing glutamic acid can provoke the appearance of “Chinese restaurant syndrome” – general weakness, palpitations, numbness of the back of the head and back. The permissible rate of daily consumption is set within the limits not exceeding 120 mg/kg of human weight.
Application of E620
Glutamic acid is a part of dry seasonings and spice mixes, broth cubes, concentrated soups, meat semi-finished products, sausage products. Gives the products a specific “meat” taste and aroma. In pharmaceuticals, it is used for the manufacture of nootropic and psychostimulant drugs.
Use of E620
On the territory of our country, it is allowed to use E620 Glutamic acid as a food additive – an enhancer of taste and aroma, provided that the established norms of daily consumption are strictly observed.