glutamine -glutamate

September 24, 2002

In a message dated 9/24/02 2:34:12 AM,

writes:

>But, glutamine becomes glutamate within the brain,

I have now looked at two biochemistry texts (both are for medical students)

and the most recent version of Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease (2002)

and looked at the biochemical pathways that glutamine and glutamate take -- I

can find a glutamine to glutamate pathway in a discussion of those amino

acids that generate alpha- keto-glutarate where it enters the Krebs cycle. In

fact glutamate is central to the transanimation process wherein amino acid

residues are degraded to become a substrate in the Krebs cycle. For that

matter any number of amino acids generate glutamate upon removed of the amide

N. Both glutamine and glutamate are involved in multiple pathways throughout

the body -- still I have found nothing that suggests that too much glutamine

can lead to too much glutamate and then on to brain damage. I think the good

doctor has leaped from the known glutamine to glutamate pathway and then on

to the syndrome surrounding MSG to propose that glutamine can therefore

generate brain damage. Even the studies on MSG have found no 'damage' per se

in humans -- a allergic reaction yes (I suffer it myself and I am not

advocating the wholesale use of MSG). Even though I have a strong reaction to

MSG (within minutes), I have never felt anything negative when I've ingested

glutamine singlely.

Glutamine is the most prevalent amino acid in the body and has been

receiving a lot of research attention -- it is particularly involved in as a

cellular fuel, in maintenance of muscle integrity, DNA synthesis, intestinal

health, glutathione metabolism, repair, etc. Under injury or trauma such as

burns or other high stress situation the body especially uses its glutamine

stores and ups its manufacture. Because of its intimate involvement in gut

health and repair it has actually been designated as a conditionally

essential amino acid. It is often put into enteral feedings for those

suffering severe gut/absorption disorders and those recovering from traumas

such as burns. Mainstream dietitians have for the most part rejected the use

of individual amino acids or other isolated nutrients -- however, a lot of

alternative health researchers have found them to be useful. I admit much

research needs to be done -- I will keep my mind open. Thusfar, though I'm

not convinced that glutamine is dangerous. I've had enough training,

education and experience to read websites with a jaundiced eye and I confess,

I even have the temerity to question those with M. D. attached to their names.

Namaste, Liz

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