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GLUTAMIC ACID

Hazardous Substances DataBank Number
490
Related PubChem Records
Related CIDs

1 Human Health Effects

1.1 Toxicity Summary

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Glutamic acid is a white crystalline powder. It is used as a flavoring agent, salt substitute, and as a medication. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) solutions have been demonstrated to cause transient clinical symptoms resembling those of "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" and there is evidence that some individuals may respond to relatively small doses. In epidemiology studies, a high intake of glutamic acid, in terms of a percentage of total protein, was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from total stroke in women after controlling for covariates. Breast-fed infants are supplied with progressively increasing amounts of glutamine and glutamic acid throughout lactation. The increasing intake of glutamic acid and glutamine could benefit breast-fed infants with molecules that are likely to protect the enteral mucosa and act as neurotransmitters and as a source of nitrogen. ANIMAL STUDIES: Long-term oral administration of MSG into the diet to various animal species has revealed no adverse effects, while data showing neuropathological lesions in neonatal animals resulting from subcutaneous or forced oral dosing of MSG has thus far been confirmed only in rodents. The administration of protein or carbohydrate products concurrently with MSG has been shown to lower plasma glutamate levels, and in two recent studies, to reduce the incidence of hypothalamic lesions in mice. In pregnant monkeys, glutamate does not appear to readily cross the placental barrier. Glutamic acid was among 80 compounds examined for toxicity. Fresh fertile eggs of single-comb white leghorn chickens were given injections at 0 hr and at 96 hr. Highest tested was 20 mg/egg. No teratogenic response found. In vitro in PC12 cells addition of glutamate (1-10 mmol/L) led to a dose-dependent cell damage (70% of cell lysis at 10 mmol/L as estimated by lactate dehydrogenase release). This effect which was not due to an inhibition of cell proliferation was only obvious after 8-10 hr of incubation and required the continuous presence of glutamate for at least 4-6 hr, to become apparent.

1.2 Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete)

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ To determine the extent to which oral glutamic acid hydrochloride (Acidulin) decreases mean gastric pH in fasting persons with and without simulated hypochlorhydria, 6 men (ages 20-28 yr) were randomly assigned to one of 2 drug regimens followed by the other regimen after a one wk washout period; in regimen 1, the subjects received two 680 mg doses of glutamic acid hydrochloride given 10 min apart; regimen 2 was the same, except that 300 mg of oral ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac) was administered 1-2 hr before the first dose of glutamic acid hydrochloride to simulate hypochlorhydria. For regimen 1, the gastric pH before glutamic acid hydrochloride was given was not significantly different from that after administration. In regimen 2, the median gastric pH increased to 4.0 within 2 hr after ranitidine treatment. Median gastric pH after the second dose of glutamic acid was significantly lower than before the first dose. The time to minimum pH was 2-15 min, and pH remained 3.0 for a mean of 45 min. It was concluded that glutamic acid hydrochloride alone did not decrease gastric pH, but it significantly reduced pH in subjects with simulated hypochlorhydria produced by orally administered ranitidine. /Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Knapp MJ et al; Clin. Pharm.; 10: 866-869 (1991)
/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Dietary intakes of glutamic acid and glycine have been reported to be associated with blood pressure. However, the link between intakes of these amino acids and stroke has not been studied. We aimed to examine the association between glutamic acid and glycine intakes and the risk of mortality from stroke in a population-based cohort study in Japan. The analyses included 29,079 residents (13,355 men and 15,724 women) of Takayama City, Japan, who were aged 35-101 y and enrolled in 1992. Their body mass index ranged from 9.9 to 57.4 kg/sq m. Their diets were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Deaths from stroke were ascertained over 16 y. During follow-up, 677 deaths from stroke (328 men and 349 women) were identified. A high intake of glutamic acid in terms of a percentage of total protein was significantly associated with a decreased risk of mortality from total stroke in women after controlling for covariates; the HR (95% CI) for the highest vs. lowest quartile was 0.72 (0.53, 0.98; P-trend: 0.03). Glycine intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality from total and ischemic stroke in men without history of hypertension at baseline; the HRs (95% CIs) for the highest vs. lowest tertile were 1.60 (0.97, 2.51; P-trend: 0.03) and 1.88 (1.01, 3.52; P-trend: 0.02), respectively. There was no association between animal or vegetable protein intake and mortality from total and any subtype of stroke. The data suggest that glutamic acid and glycine intakes may be associated with risk of stroke mortality.
Nagata C et al; J Nutr 145 (4): 720-8 (2015)
/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ From comparisons of plasma glutamate levels, healthy term and premature infants have already developed the capability to metabolize glutamates. Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) solutions has been demonstrated to cause transient clinical symptoms resembling those of "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" and there is evidence that some individuals may respond to relatively small doses. Similar symptoms can be evoked by certain other food substances. ...According to industry sources, MSG is not added to infant and junior foods. Because, however, a proportion of the consuming public may be sensitive acute responders, even though the unpleasant symptoms are transient, ...there should be some constraint placed on the addition of MSG to processed foods. ...There is no evidence in the available information on L-glutamic acid, L-glutamic acid hydrochloride, monosodium L-glutamate, monoammonium L-glutamate, and monopotassium L-glutamate that demonstrates, or suggests reasonable grounds to suspects, a hazard to the public when they are used at levels that are now current and in the manner now practices. However, it is not possible to determine, without additional data, whether a significant increase in consumption would constitute a dietary hazard. /Monosodium glutamate/
21 CFR Section 182.1047

2 Emergency Medical Treatment

2.1 Antidote and Emergency Treatment (Complete)

/SRP:/ Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand-valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR as necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Organic acids and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 176
/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist respirations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Activated charcoal is not effective ... . Do not attempt to neutralize because of exothermic reaction. Cover skin burns with dry, sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Organic acids and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 176-7
/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Early intubation, at the first sign of upper airway obstruction, may be necessary. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Organic acids and related compounds/
Currance, P.L. Clements, B., Bronstein, A.C. (Eds).; Emergency Care For Hazardous Materials Exposure. 3rd revised edition, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO 2007, p. 177

3 Animal Toxicity Studies

3.1 Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete)

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Studies were conducted to investigate the effects of D-, DL-, or L-glutamic acid on the chick. Supplementation of levels of L-glutamic acid to an amino acid mixture containing adequate levels of all the indispensable amino acids plus cystine and tyrosine resulted in increased growth up to 10% L-glutamic acid in the diet. Chicks tolerated as much as 15% L-glutamic acid with no growth retardation. Supplementation of D-glutamic acid at levels of 3.75 or 5% resulted in growth depressions of 18 and 38%, respectively, at the end of a 2-week experiment. Significant growth-depressing effects of these levels of D-glutamic acid and 7.5% of DL-glutamic acid were also observed with an amino acid diet as well as an isolated soybean protein diet. The growth-depressing effect was most severe during week 2 of the experiment. Additional vitamins and amino acid supplements failed to reverse the growth-depressing effect. Plasma glutamic acid concentration was not altered by the inclusion of D-glutamic acid in the diet, but generally, plasma free amino acid concentrations were increased. This was especially true of arginine. Free glutamic acid increased in the kidney and was lowered in the liver. Free ammonia was increased in both the liver and kidney when the D form was included in the diet. ...
Maruyama K et al; J Nutr. 105 (8): 1012-9 (1975)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Developmental or Reproductive Toxicity/ Glutamic acid hydrochloride was among 80 compounds examined for toxicity. Fresh fertile eggs of single-comb white leghorn chickens were given injections at 0 hr and at 96 hr. Highest tested dose was 20 mg/egg. No teratogenic response found. /Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Verret MJ et al; Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 56(2) 265 (1980)
/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Neurotoxicity/ It is well known that acute exposure to high concentrations of glutamate is toxic to central mammalian neurons. However, the effect of a chronic, minor elevation over endogenous glutamate levels has not been explored. The authors have suggested that such chronic exposure may play a role in glaucomatous neuronal loss. In the current study, they sought to explore whether a chronic, low-dose elevation in vitreal glutamate was toxic to retinal ganglion cells and whether this toxicity could be prevented with memantine, a glutamate antagonist. Rats were injected serially and intravitreally with glutamate to induce chronic elevations in glutamate concentration. A second group of rats was treated with intraperitoneal memantine and glutamate. Control groups received vehicle injection with or without concurrent memantine therapy. After 3 months, the animals were killed, and ganglion cell survival was evaluated. Intravitreal injections raised the intravitreal glutamate levels from an endogenous range of 5 to 12 microM glutamate to 26 to 34 microM. This chronic glutamate elevation killed 42% of the retinal ganglion cells after 3 months. Memantine treatment alone had no effect on ganglion cell survival. However, when memantine was given concurrently with low-dose glutamate, memantine was partially protective against glutamate toxicity. These data suggest that minor elevations in glutamate concentration can be toxic to ganglion cells if this elevation is maintained for 3 months. Furthermore, memantine is efficacious at protecting ganglion cells from chronic low-dose glutamate toxicity.
Vorwerk CK et al; Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 37 (8): 1618-24 (1996)
/DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROTOXICITY/ The effects of glutamic acid hydrochloride, NaCl and sucrose administered orally to neonatal mice at levels eqimolar and hyperosmolar to those used in obtaining brain damage with monosodium glutamate (MSG) were examined. Hypernatremia was induced in neonatal mice at the highest dosage of MSG used to elicit neuropathologic changes. Glutamic acid hydrochloride elicited the same pattern of brain lesions as did MSG. High Na plus levels were not necessary to open the blood-brain barrier for glutamate-induced neuronal lesions. NaCl, although not causing lesions in arcuate nucleus, was capable of causing a wide spectrum of damage in neonatal mouse brain at lower levels (0.02-0.05 meq/1) than previously recognized. Glutamic acid and Na plus caused brain lesions often in the same structures, but their pattern of damage differed, probably as a result of different routes of entry into the brain. Glutamate, or more probably one of its metabolites, damaged cells close to circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), while hypertonic saline apparently egressed into brain tissue from capillaries, arterioles and venules. Neuronal damage following MSG administration tended to radiate inward within structures in contact with circulating CSF. Lesions following NaCl ingestion presented themselves as foci or bands occurring throughout a given structure. Sometimes neuronal necrosis accompanied hemorrhagic vessels within a structure, a phenomenon not seen following MSG administration. A high rate of animal mortality followed hyperosmolality induced by sucrose loads. Brain shrinkage and extensive vascular dilatation, unaccompanied by marked neuronal dehydration, were the major neurological observations. While neither hyperosmolarity nor hypernatremia is capable of eliciting the patterns of lesions correlated with MSG ingestion, either condition can result in severe vascular changes in the neonatal mouse brain. /Monosodium glutamate/
LEMKEY-JOHNSTON ET AL; EXP NEUROL 48(2) 292 (1975)
/ALTERNATIVE and IN VITRO TESTS/ In order to investigate the biochemical mechanisms responsible for glutamate-induced cell death, we have tested the effect of this excitatory amino acid on the growth and survival of several cell lines of neural origin. Most of the cell lines studied were insensitive to glutamate, but we observed in PC12 cells that addition of glutamate (1-10 mmol/L) led to a dose-dependent cell damage (70% of cell lysis at 10 mmol/L as estimated by lactate dehydrogenase release). This effect which was not due to an inhibition of cell proliferation was only obvious after 8-10 hr of incubation and required the continuous presence of glutamate for at least 4-6 hr, to become apparent. Studies of the cytotoxic effect of several glutamate analogues showed that neither N-methyl-D-aspartate nor kainate, ibotenate, trans(+/-) 1-amino 1,3-cyclopentane dicarboxylic acid or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl isoxazole-4-propionic acid exerted any significant action and that quisqualate only was more potent than glutamate itself. A known antagonist of non-NMDA receptors, the 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, was able to significantly decrease the glutamate and quisqualate-induced cell lysis. In addition, we observed that glutamate effect was associated with a significant increase in arachidonate liberation from prelabelled cells.
Froissard P, Duval D; Neurochem Int. 24 (5): 485-93 (1994)
/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ ...the new information on long-term oral administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the diet to various animal species has revealed no adverse effects, while data showing neuropathological lesions in neonatal animals resulting from subcutaneous or forced oral dosing of MSG has thus far been confirmed only in rodents. The administration of protein or carbohydrate products concurrently with MSG has been shown to lower plasma glutamate levels, and in two recent studies, to reduce the incidence of hypothalamic lesions in mice. In pregnant monkeys, glutamate does not appear to readily cross the placental barrier. /Monosodium glutamate/
21 CFR Section 182.1047

3.2 FIFRA Requirements (Complete)

Residues of L-glutamic acid are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: Plant nutrient. Limit: Seed treatment use only.
40 CFR 180.920 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 29, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov
L-glutamic acid is exempt from the requirement of a tolerance on all food commodities when used in accordance with good agricultural practices.
40 CFR 180.1187 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 29, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov

4 Metabolism / Pharmacokinetics

4.1 Bionecessity (Complete)

Cortical excitability reflects a balance between excitation and inhibition. Glutamate is the main excitatory and GABA the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian cortex. Changes in glutamate and GABA metabolism may play important roles in the control of cortical excitability. Glutamate is the metabolic precursor of GABA, which can be recycled through the tricarboxylic acid cycle to synthesize glutamate. GABA synthesis is unique among neurotransmitters, having two separate isoforms of the rate-controlling enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase. The need for two separate genes on two chromosomes to control GABA synthesis is unexplained. Two metabolites of GABA are present in uniquely high concentrations in the human brain. Homocarnosine and pyrrolidinone have a major impact on GABA metabolism in the human brain. Both of these GABA metabolites have anticonvulsant properties and can have a major impact on cortical excitability. /Glutamate/
Petroff OA; Neuroscientist. 8 (6): 562-73 (2002)
The significant role the amino acid glutamate assumes in a number of fundamental metabolic pathways is becoming better understood. As a central junction for interchange of amino nitrogen, glutamate facilitates both amino acid synthesis and degradation. In the liver, glutamate is the terminus for release of ammonia from amino acids, and the intrahepatic concentration of glutamate modulates the rate of ammonia detoxification into urea. In pancreatic beta-cells, oxidation of glutamate mediates amino acid-stimulated insulin secretion. In the central nervous system, glutamate serves as an excitatory neurotransmittor. Glutamate is also the precursor of the inhibitory neurotransmittor GABA, as well as glutamine, a potential mediator of hyperammonemic neurotoxicity. The recent identification of a novel form of congenital hyperinsulinism associated with asymptomatic hyperammonemia assigns glutamate oxidation by glutamate dehydrogenase a more important role than previously recognized in beta-cell insulin secretion and hepatic and CNS ammonia detoxification. Disruptions of glutamate metabolism have been implicated in other clinical disorders, such as pyridoxine-dependent seizures, confirming the importance of intact glutamate metabolism. This article will review glutamate metabolism and clinical disorders associated with disrupted glutamate metabolism. /Glutamate/
Kelly A, Stanley CA; Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 7 (4): 287-95 (2001)

4.2 Metabolism / Metabolites (Complete)

Cortical excitability reflects a balance between excitation and inhibition. Glutamate is the main excitatory and GABA the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian cortex. Changes in glutamate and GABA metabolism may play important roles in the control of cortical excitability. Glutamate is the metabolic precursor of GABA, which can be recycled through the tricarboxylic acid cycle to synthesize glutamate. GABA synthesis is unique among neurotransmitters, having two separate isoforms of the rate-controlling enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase. The need for two separate genes on two chromosomes to control GABA synthesis is unexplained. Two metabolites of GABA are present in uniquely high concentrations in the human brain. Homocarnosine and pyrrolidinone have a major impact on GABA metabolism in the human brain. Both of these GABA metabolites have anticonvulsant properties and can have a major impact on cortical excitability. /Glutamate, GABA/
Petroff OA; Neuroscientist. 8 (6): 562-73 (2002)
The measurement of the intestinal metabolism of the nitrogen moiety of glutamic acid has been investigated by oral ingestion of l-[(15)N]glutamic acid and sampling of arterialized blood. Measurements have been made in six normal adults weighing an average of 72.8 kg ingesting 100 mg of l-[(15)N]glutamic acid after an overnight fast. Measurement of the enrichment of arterial glutamic acid, glutamine and alanine was by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Isotopic enrichment of the amino acids was followed for 150 min after the ingestion of the amino acid. Arterialized venous blood amino acid concentrations, measured by HPLC, demonstrated no significant changes during the course of the experiment. From the observed appearance of label in arterialized glutamic acid, alanine and glutamine, little luminal glutamic acid reaches the extracellular pool. The majority of the administered nitrogen label appears in the arterial alanine and glutamine components.
Johnson AW et al; Clin Sci (Lond). 75 (5): 499-502 (1988)

4.3 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete)

/MILK/ Previous short observational studies on the free amino acid (FAA) content of human milk have shown that glutamine and glutamic acid increase in the first 4 to 6 weeks of life. Changes in human milk content of free amino acids (FAAs) was determined at colostrum, 1 month, and 3 months of lactation in 16 healthy lactating women after delivery of full-term infants. Milk was collected at the end of each feeding (hindmilk) during 24 hours. Glutamic acid and taurine were the most abundant FAAs at colostrum. Although taurine remained stable throughout lactation, glutamic acid (the prevalent FAA) and glutamine increased approximately 2.5 and 20 times, respectively, with progressing lactation representing more than 50% of total FAA at 3 months. The content of essential FAA was also stable, so the change in total FAA content was almost entirely due to the changes in glutamic acid and glutamine. Breast-fed infants are supplied with progressively increasing amounts of glutamine and glutamic acid throughout lactation. The increasing intake of glutamic acid and glutamine could benefit breast-fed infants with molecules that are likely to protect the enteral mucosa and act as neurotransmitters and as a source of nitrogen.
Agostoni C et al; J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 31 (5): 508-12 (2000)
In this report, (13)N -labeled L-glutamine and L-glutamic acid was synthesized by an enzymatic method ... . Organ distribution studies and whole body scans in mongrel dogs demonstrated low myocardial uptake of glutamine and glutamic acid and that the liver demonstrated a greater uptake of glutamine than glutamic acid or ammonia.
Gelbard A et al; Radiology; 116:127-132 (1975)
The measurement of the intestinal metabolism of the nitrogen moiety of glutamic acid has been investigated by oral ingestion of l-[(15)N]glutamic acid and sampling of arterialized blood. Measurements have been made in six normal adults weighing an average of 72.8 kg ingesting 100 mg of l-[(15)N]glutamic acid after an overnight fast. Measurement of the enrichment of arterial glutamic acid, glutamine and alanine was by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Isotopic enrichment of the amino acids was followed for 150 min after the ingestion of the amino acid. Arterialized venous blood amino acid concentrations, measured by HPLC, demonstrated no significant changes during the course of the experiment. From the observed appearance of label in arterialized glutamic acid, alanine and glutamine, little luminal glutamic acid reaches the extracellular pool. The majority of the administered nitrogen label appears in the arterial alanine and glutamine components.
Johnson AW et al; Clin Sci (Lond). 75 (5): 499-502 (1988)

5 Pharmacology

5.1 Interactions (Complete)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which orally administered glutamic acid hydrochloride decreased mean gastric pH in both fasting and simulated hypochlorhydric states. Patients with elevated gastric pH resulting from physiologic or pharmacologic decreases in acid secretion may experience a decrease in drug absorption when receiving pH-dependent drugs or dosage formulations. Although various doses of oral glutamic acid (GA) have been used to lower gastric pH and enhance drug absorption, the in vivo effect of a specific dose and regimen on the magnitude and duration of gastric pH is unknown. This study was conducted in six young, healthy, male volunteers using the Heidelberg capsule technique to measure gastric pH. In Phase I, all subjects received two 680 mg (340 mg capsules x 2) doses of GA given ten minutes apart. In Phase II, 300 mg (150 mg tablet x 2) of oral ranitidine hydrochloride was administered in order to simulate hypochlorhydria. This was followed by the administration of two oral 680 mg doses of GA given ten minutes apart. Gastric pH was monitored continuously pre- and post-GA administration in both phases. Our results indicate that the administration of two oral 680 mg doses of GA given ten minutes apart does not significantly lower fasting gastric pH in healthy young males. However, when subjects were pretreated with 300 mg of oral ranitidine, the administration of two oral 680 mg doses of GA given ten minutes apart resulted in a decrease of mean gastric pH from 5.83+/-0.86 to 1.67+/-0.81. Gastric pH remained less than 3.0 for an average of 39.0+/-11.7 minutes following the second GA dose. The administration of two oral 680 mg doses of GA given ten minutes apart can significantly lower the magnitude of gastric pH in a simulated hypochlorhydric model. It is likely that this dosing strategy will provide an adequate period of low gastric pH in most hypochlorhydric patients receiving oral drugs such as ketoconazole which require a low gastric pH for maximal dissolution and absorption. /Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Knapp MI et al; ASHP Annual Meeting; 47: 105E (1990)

6 Environmental Fate & Exposure

6.1 Environmental Fate / Exposure Summary

Glutamic acid's production and use as an intermediate to manufacture monosodium glutamate (a food additive), pesticides (glufosinate), medicinals and polyglutamic acid esters and use as a nutritional supplement may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. Its use as a seed treatment in agriculture will result in its direct relase to the environment. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that occurs in plants and animals and is formed via protein metabolism. Specific soil microorganisms generate and excrete glutamic acid. Glutamic acid has been quantified in numerous plant species. If released to air, an extrapolated vapor pressure of 1.7X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates glutamic acid will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase glutamic acid will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 9.4 hours. Particulate-phase glutamic acid will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. If released to soil, glutamic acid is expected to have very high mobility based upon an estimated Koc of 13. Glutamic acid is a zwitterionic amino acid with pKa values of 2.19, 4.25 and 9.67 indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in ionic form (anion, cation or both) in the environment and cations generally adsorb (anions generally do not adsorb) more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts. Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as an anion/cation and anions/cations do not volatilize. Glutamic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces based upon its vapor pressure. Using a screening test, glutamic acid achieved 90% degradation in 4 days and 97% degradation in 28 days. If released into water, glutamic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. The pKa values indicates glutamic acid will exist almost entirely in ionic form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. An estimated BCF of 3 suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions. Occupational exposure to glutamic acid may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where glutamic acid is produced or used. Monitoring and use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to glutamic acid via ingestion of food and dermal contact with this consumer products containing glutamic acid. (SRC)

6.2 Probable Routes of Human Exposure (Complete)

According to the 2012 TSCA Inventory Update Reporting data, 5 reporting facilities estimate the number of persons reasonably likely to be reporting information on chemical production and exposed in their respective industrial use in the United States manufacturing, processing, or use of glutamic acid (56-86-0) and its monosodium salt (142-47-2) may be as low as <10 workers up to the range of 100-499 workers per plant; the data may be greatly underestimated due to confidential business information (CBI) or unknown values(1).
(1) US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production and use in the United States. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/cdr/pubs/guidance/cdr_factsheets.html
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 11,240 workers (5,754 of these were female) were potentially exposed to glutamic acid in the US(1). Occupational exposure to glutamic acid may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where glutamic acid is produced or used. Monitoring and use data indicate that the general population may be exposed to glutamic acid via ingestion of food and dermal contact with this consumer products containing glutamic acid(SRC).
(1) NIOSH; NOES. National Occupational Exposure Survey conducted from 1981-1983. Estimated numbers of employees potentially exposed to specific agents by 2-digit standard industrial classification (SIC). Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.cdc.gov/noes/

6.3 Natural Pollution Sources (Complete)

Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that occurs in plants and animals(1,2) and is formed via protein metabolism(2). Specific soil microorganisms generate and excrete glutamic acid(3). Glutamic acid has been quantified in numerous plant species(4).
(1) O'Neil MJ, ed; The Merck Index. 15th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 827 (2013)
(2) Araki K, Ozeki T; Amino Acids. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: July 18, 2003.
(3) Drauz K et al; Amino Acids. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: April 15, 2007.
(4) USDA; Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Plants with a chosen chemical. Glutamic acid. Washington, DC: US Dept Agric, Agric Res Service. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

6.4 Artificial Pollution Sources (Complete)

Glutamic acid's production and use as an intermediate to manufacture monosodium glutamate (a food additive), pesticides (glufosinate), medicinals and polyglutamic acid esters(1) and use as a nutritional supplement(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its use as a seed treatment in agriculture(3) will result in its direct relase to the environment(SRC).
(1) Drauz K et al; Amino Acids. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: April 15, 2007.
(2) O'Neil MJ, ed; The Merck Index. 15th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 827 (2013)
(3) 40 CFR 180.920 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 29, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov

6.5 Environmental Fate (Complete)

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 13(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that glutamic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Glutamic acid is a zwitterionic amino acid with pKa values of 2.19, 4.25 and 9.67(3) indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in ionic form (anion, cation or both) in the environment and cations generally adsorb (anions generally do not adsorb) more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization of glutamic acid from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process since it will exist almost entirely in ionic form in moist soil(SRC). Glutamic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 1.7X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). Glutamic acid has been determined to be readily biodegradable by two standardized biodegradation tests (OECD 301E and OECD 301B)(6,7). Using OECD Guideline 301E (Ready biodegradability: Modified OECD Screening Test), glutamic acid achieved 90% degradation in 4 days and 97% degradation in 28 days(6). Other studies have observed rapid biodegradation of glutamic acid(8-10).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(3) O'Neil MJ,ed; The Merck Index. 15th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 827 (2013)
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)
(5) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Design Institute for Physical Property Data, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Hemisphere Pub. Corp., New York, NY (1997)
(6) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(7) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS 142-47-2) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(8) Takemoto S et al; Suishitsu Odaku Kenkyu 4: 80-90 (1981)
(9) Urano K, Kate Z; J Hazardous Materials 13: 135-145 (1986)
(10) Kameya T et al; Sci Total Environ 170: 43-51 (1995)
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 13(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that glutamic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Glutamic acid is a zwitterionic amino acid with pKa values of 2.19, 4.25 and 9.67(3) which indicates glutamic acid will exist almost entirely in ionic form (anion, cation or both) at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of -3.69(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Glutamic acid has been determined to be readily biodegradable by two standardized biodegradation tests (OECD 301E and OECD 301B)(6,7). Using OECD Guideline 301E (Ready biodegradability: Modified OECD Screening Test), glutamic acid achieved 90% degradation in 4 days and 97% degradation in 28 days(6). Other studies have observed rapid biodegradation of glutamic acid(8-10). Glutamic acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(11).
(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(3) O'Neil MJ,ed; The Merck Index. 15th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 826 (2013)
(4) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)
(5) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult. ed., Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 14 (1995) https://echa.europa.eu/
(6) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(7) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS 142-47-2) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015:
(8) Takemoto S et al; Suishitsu Odaku Kenkyu 4: 80-90 (1981)
(9) Urano K, Kate Z; J Hazardous Materials 13: 135-145 (1986)
(10) Kameya T et al; Sci Total Environ 170: 43-51 (1995)
(11) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990)
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), glutamic acid, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 1.7X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase glutamic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 9.4 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 4.1X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase glutamic acid may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Aliphatic amino acids exhibit no absorption in the UV region above 220 nm(4), therefore glutamic acid is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).
(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988)
(2) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Design Institute for Physical Property Data, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Hemisphere Pub. Corp., New York, NY (1997)
(3) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(4) Drauz K et al; Amino Acids. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: April 15, 2007.

6.6 Environmental Biodegradation (Complete)

AEROBIC: Using OECD Guideline 301E (Ready biodegradability: Modified OECD Screening Test) and a non-adapted activated sludge inoculum, glutamic acid achieved 90% degradation in 4 days and 97% degradation in 28 days which classified the compound as readily biodegradable(1). Using OECD Guideline 301B (Ready Biodegradability: CO2 Evolution Test) and a non-adapted activated sludge inoculum, glutamic acid (sodium salt) at 37.5 mg/L achieved 78-87% CO2 evolution over a 28-day incubation period which classified the compound as readily biodegradable(2). Glutamic acid, present at 6 ppm, reached 45.5-47.8% of its theoretical BOD in 5 days in a seawater biodegradation study(3). Glutamic acid reached 60% of its theoretical BOD in 100 hours in an electrolytic respirometer study(4).
(1) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(2) ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Sodium Hydrogen Glutamate (CAS 142-47-2) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
(3) Takemoto S et al; Suishitsu Odaku Kenkyu 4: 80-90 (1981)
(4) Urano K, Kate Z; J Hazardous Materials 13: 135-145 (1986)
ANAEROBIC: Glutamic acid was completely biodegraded after 7 days of incubation using an anaerobic test protocol(1).
(1) Kameya T et al; Sci Total Environ 170: 43-51 (1995)

6.7 Environmental Abiotic Degradation (Complete)

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of glutamic acid with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 4.1X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 9.4 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Aliphatic amino acids exhibit no absorption in the UV region above 220 nm(2), therefore glutamic acid is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). The rate constant for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solutions at pH 6.5 is 2.3X10+8 L/mol-sec(3); this corresponds to an aquatic half-life of 9 years at an aquatic concentration of 1X10-17 hydroxyl radicals per liter(4). Glutamic acid is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(5).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(2) Drauz K et al; Amino Acids. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: April 15, 2007.
(3) Buxton GV et al; J Phys Chem Ref Data 17: 513-882 (1988)
(4) Mill T et al; Science 207: 886-887 (1980)
(5) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 7-4, 7-5 (1990)

6.8 Environmental Bioconcentration (Complete)

An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for glutamic acid(SRC), using a log Kow of -3.69(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
(1) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult. ed., Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 14 (1995)
(2) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(3) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)

6.9 Soil Adsorption / Mobility (Complete)

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of glutamic acid can be estimated to be 13(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that glutamic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil. Glutamic acid is a zwitterionic amino acid with pKa values of 2.19, 4.25 and 9.67(3) indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in ionic form (anion, cation or both) in the environment and cations generally adsorb (anions generally do not adsorb) more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4).
(1) US EPA; Estimation Program Interface (EPI) Suite. Ver. 4.11. Nov, 2012. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/pubs/episuitedl.htm
(2) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983)
(3) O'Neil MJ,ed; The Merck Index. 15 th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 826 (2013)
(4) Doucette WJ; pp. 141-188 in Handbook of Property Estimation Methods for Chemicals. Boethling RS, Mackay D, eds. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publ (2000)

6.10 Volatilization from Water / Soil (Complete)

Glutamic acid is a zwitterionic amino acid with pKa values of 2.19, 4.25 and 9.67(1) indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in ionic form (anion, cation or both) in the environment. Since ionized compounds are not expected to volatilize from water, glutamic acid is expected to be essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces and moist soils(SRC). Glutamic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 1.7X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C(2).
(1) O'Neil MJ,ed; The Merck Index. 15 th ed., Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, p. 826 (2013)
(2) Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Design Institute for Physical Property Data, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Hemisphere Pub. Corp., New York, NY (1997)

6.11 Environmental Water Concentrations (Complete)

SURFACE WATER: Glutamic acid concentrations 1.3 and 0.4 ug/L were detected in Huron River samples collected near Ann Arbor, MI in July 2003 and June 2004 respectively(1).
(1) Lee HE et al; Environ Sci Technol 40: 1478-84 (2006)
RAIN/SNOW: Glutamic acid was detected at concentrations of 2-471 nM in precipitation samples collected near Charlottesville, VA between April 1988 and April 1989(1).
(1) Gorzelska K et al; Atmos Environ 26: 1005-1018 (1992)

6.12 Sediment / Soil Concentrations (Complete)

SOIL: Soil samples collected from an active landfill site in Spain contained glutamic acid concentrations of 1.0-4.7 nmol/g(1).
(1) Gonzalez-Vila FJ et al; Chemosphere 31(3): 2817-2825 (1995)

6.13 Food Survey Values (Complete)

Natural glutamic acid concentrations in some foods(1).
Food source
Chicken breast, roasted
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
8.62
Food source
Chicken breast, batter fried
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
11.03
Food source
Turkey breast, roasted
Serving size
3 oz.
concn (grams)
3.86
Food source
Ground beef,19% fat, broiled
Serving size
3 oz.
concn (grams)
3.15
Food source
Ground beef,19% fat, broiled
Serving size
3 oz.
concn (grams)
3.15
Food source
Sirloin top, charcoaled
Serving size
4 oz
concn (grams)
3.60
Food source
Avocado &amp; Cheese Sandwich on Wheat
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
4.07
Food source
Fish Sandwich w/ tartar
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
3.38
Food source
Pretzels
Serving size
5 pieces
concn (grams)
0.91
Food source
Garbanzo Beans, boiled
Serving size
1/2 cup
concn (grams)
1.27
Food source
Baked Potato w/Cheese
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
3.02
Food source
Baked Potato, plain
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
0.78
Food source
Tomato Paste, Unsalted
Serving size
1/2 cup
concn (grams)
1.93
Food source
Walnuts, black, dried
Serving size
1 oz.
concn (grams)
1.42
Food source
Peanut Butter, chunky
Serving size
2 Tbsp.
concn (grams)
1.60
Food source
Sunflower Seeds, dry rstd
Serving size
1 oz.
concn (grams)
1.21
Food source
Buttermilk Pancakes
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
1.53
Food source
Couscous, cooked
Serving size
1 cup
concn (grams)
2.14
Food source
Lobster, steamed boiled
Serving size
1 cup
concn (grams)
5.06
Food source
Yellowtail Fish
Serving size
1 fillet
concn (grams)
12.94
Food source
Salmon,wild, steamed
Serving size
1 fillet
concn (grams)
12.68
Food source
Egg, raw
Serving size
1 each
concn (grams)
0.81
Food source
Yogurt,plain, nonfat
Serving size
8 oz.
concn (grams)
2.51
Food source
Hot Cocoa w/ milk
Serving size
1 cup
concn (grams)
1.88
Food source
Milk
Serving size
1 cup
concn (grams)
1.51 to 1.93, depending on the amount of fat in the milk
Food source
Kelp (kombu)
Serving size
1/2 cup
concn (grams)
0.11
Food source
Wakame
Serving size
1/2 cup
concn (grams)
0.08
(1) Hands ES; Nutrients in Food. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, pp. 222-85 (1999)
Top 25 of the 5,024 foods with glutamic acid detections(1).
Food
Turkey, retail parts, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted
wt (g)
863.0
measure
1.0 breast
glutamic acid (g)/measure
39.077
Food
Turkey, retail parts, enhanced, breast, meat only, raw
wt (g)
1171.0
measure
1.0 breast
glutamic acid (g)/measure
37.800
Food
Pork loin, fresh, backribs, bone-in, raw, lean only
wt (g)
1071.0
measure
1.0 ribs
glutamic acid (g)/measure
34.111
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, orange chicken
wt (g)
648.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
16.038
Food
Chicken, broilers or fryers, breast, meat only, cooked, rotisserie, original seasoning
wt (g)
483.0
measure
1.0 breast breast with skin and bone
glutamic acid (g)/measure
15.867
Food
Lupins, mature seeds, raw
wt (g)
180.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
15.635
Food
Soybeans, mature seeds, raw
wt (g)
186.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
14.646
Food
Ground turkey, raw
wt (g)
453.6
measure
1.0 lb
glutamic acid (g)/measure
14.261
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, lemon chicken
wt (g)
623.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
14.111
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, sweet and sour chicken
wt (g)
706.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
13.365
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, General Tso's chicken
wt (g)
535.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
12.835
Food
Denny's spaghetti and meatballs
wt (g)
565.0
measure
1.0 serving
glutamic acid (g)/measure
12.656
Food
Egg, white, dried, stabilized, glucose reduced
wt (g)
107.0
measure
1.0 cup, sifted
glutamic acid (g)/measure
12.554
Food
Egg, white, dried, powder, stabilized, glucose reduced
wt (g)
107.0
measure
1.0 cup sifted
glutamic acid (g)/measure
12.301
Food
Seeds, cottonseed kernels, roasted (glandless)
wt (g)
149.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
12.155
Food
Soybeans, mature seeds, roasted, no salt added
wt (g)
172.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
11.734
Food
Soybeans, mature seeds, roasted, salted
wt (g)
172.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
11.734
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, sweet and sour pork
wt (g)
609.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
11.699
Food
Carrabba's Italian grill, chicken parmesan without cavatappi pasta
wt (g)
339.0
measure
1.0 serving
glutamic acid (g)/measure
11.482
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, chicken and vegetables
wt (g)
693.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
11.227
Food
Restaurant, Chinese, Kung Pao chicken
wt (g)
604.0
measure
1.0 order
glutamic acid (g)/measure
10.769
Food
KFC, Fried Chicken, original recipe, breast, meat and skin with breading
wt (g)
212.0
measure
1.0 breast, with skin
glutamic acid (g)/measure
10.734
Food
Soy meal, defatted, raw, crude protein basis (N x 6.25)
wt (g)
122.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
10.620
Food
Soy meal, defatted, raw
wt (g)
122.0
measure
1.0 cup
glutamic acid (g)/measure
10.620
Food
KFC, Fried Chicken, extra crispy, Breast, meat and skin with breading
wt (g)
212.0
measure
1.0 breast, with skin
glutamic acid (g)/measure
10.528
(1) USDA; National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 27. Nutrients List. Glutamic acid. Available from, as of Jun 19, 2015: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/nutrients/report/nutrientsfrm?max=25&offset=0&totCount=0&nutrient1=515&nutrient2=516&nutrient3=&subset=0&fg=&sort=c&measureby=m

6.14 Plant Concentrations (Complete)

Top 40 plant concentrations of glutamic acid(1).
Genus species
Ceratonia siliqua L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Carob, Locust Bean, St.John's-Bread
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
131,600
Genus species
Lupinus albus L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
White Lupine
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
96,985
Genus species
Glycine max (L.) MERR.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Soybean
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
77,280
Genus species
Brassica chinensis L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Common name
Celery Cabbage, Celery Mustard, Chinese Cabbage
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
76,932
Genus species
Allium schoenoprasum L.
Family
Liliaceae
Common name
Chives
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
72,385
Genus species
Arachis hypogaea L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Groundnut, Peanut
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
65,281
Genus species
Asparagus officinalis L.
Family
Liliaceae
Common name
Asparagus
Part
Shoot
Concn (ppm)
64,645
Genus species
Triticum aestivum L.
Family
Poaceae
Common name
Wheat
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
63,000
Genus species
Juglans cinerea L.
Family
Juglandaceae
Common name
Butternut
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
62,942
Genus species
Prunus dulcis (MILLER) D. A. WEBB;
Family
Rosaceae
Common name
Almond
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
62,070
Genus species
Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVAUGH;
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Common name
Chaya
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
58,900
Genus species
Cajanus cajan (L.) HUTH
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Pigeonpea
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
56,270
Genus species
Phaseolus vulgaris subsp. var. vulgaris
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Black Bean, Field Bean
Part
Sprout Seedling
Concn (ppm)
55,054
Genus species
Acacia farnesiana (L.) WILLD.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Cassie, Huisache, Opopanax, Popinac, Sweet Acacia
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
54,070
Genus species
Lycopersicon esculentum MILLER
Family
Solanaceae
Common name
Tomato
Part
Fruit
Concn (ppm)
54,053
Genus species
Sinapis alba L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Common name
White Mustard
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
53,275
Genus species
Citrullus lanatus (THUNB.) MATSUM. &amp; NAKAI
Family
Cucurbitaceae)
Common name
Watermelon
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
53,000
Genus species
Rehmannia glutinosa (GAERTN.) LIBOSCH.
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Common name
Chinese Foxglove
Part
Root
Concn (ppm)
53,000
Genus species
Sesamum indicum L.
Family
Pedaliaceae
Common name
Ajonjoli (Sp.), Beni, Benneseed, Sesame
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
51,927
Genus species
Pistacia vera L.
Family
Anacardiaceae
Common name
Pistachio
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
51,139
Genus species
Lens culinaris MEDIK.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Lentil
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
49,000
Genus species
Papaver somniferum L.
Family
Papaveraceae
Common name
Opium Poppy, Poppyseed Poppy
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
48,713
Genus species
Vigna radiata (L.) WILCZEK
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Green Gram, Mungbean
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
46,883
Genus species
Cucurbita pepo L.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Common name
Pumpkin
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
46,358
Genus species
Vicia faba L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Broadbean, Faba Bean, Habas
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
45,000
Genus species
Pisum sativum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Pea
Part
Fruit
Concn (ppm)
44,313
Genus species
Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Alholva (Sp.), Bockshornklee (Ger.), Fenugreek, Greek Clover
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
43,870
Genus species
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Asparagus Pea, Goa Bean, Winged Bean
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
43,749
Genus species
Papaver bracteatum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Great Scarlet Poppy
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
43,200
Genus species
Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) VERDC.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Asparagus Bean, Pea Bean, Yardlong Bean
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
43,190
Genus species
Lablab purpureus (L.) SWEET
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Bonavist Bean, Hyacinth Bean, Lablab Bean
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
42,815
Genus species
Lens culinaris MEDIK.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Lentil
Part
Sprout Seedling
Concn (ppm)
41,935
Genus species
Basella alba L.
Family
Basellaceae
Common name
Vinespinach
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
41,015
Genus species
Spinacia oleracea L.
Family
Chenopodiaceae
Common name
Spinach
Part
Plant
Concn (ppm)
40,735
Genus species
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Cowage, Velvetbean
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
40,440
Genus species
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis l. var. botrytis L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Common name
Cauliflower
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
40,275
Genus species
Corchorus olitorius L.
Family
Tiliaceae
Common name
Jew's Mallow, Mulukiya, Nalta Jute
Part
Leaf
Concn (ppm)
40,130
Genus species
Cucumis sativus L.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Common name
Cucumber
Part
Fruit
Concn (ppm)
38,987
Genus species
Cicer arietinum L.
Family
Fabaceae
Common name
Chickpea, Garbanzo
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
38,150
Genus species
Hordeum vulgare L.
Family
Poaceae
Common name
Barley, Barleygrass
Part
Seed
Concn (ppm)
38,000
Genus species
Nasturtium officinale R. BR.
Family
Brassicaceae
Common name
Berro, Watercress
Part
Herb
Concn (ppm)
38,000
(1) USDA; Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Plants with a chosen chemical. Glutamic acid. Washington, DC: US Dept Agric, Agric Res Service. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

6.15 Milk Concentrations (Complete)

Previous short observational studies on the free amino acid (FAA) content of human milk have shown that glutamine and glutamic acid increase in the first 4 to 6 weeks of life. Changes in human milk content of free amino acids (FAAs) was determined at colostrum, 1 month, and 3 months of lactation in 16 healthy lactating women after delivery of full-term infants. Milk was collected at the end of each feeding (hindmilk) during 24 hours. Glutamic acid and taurine were the most abundant FAAs at colostrum. Although taurine remained stable throughout lactation, glutamic acid (the prevalent FAA) and glutamine increased approximately 2.5 and 20 times, respectively, with progressing lactation representing more than 50% of total FAA at 3 months. The content of essential FAA was also stable, so the change in total FAA content was almost entirely due to the changes in glutamic acid and glutamine. Breast-fed infants are supplied with progressively increasing amounts of glutamine and glutamic acid throughout lactation. The increasing intake of glutamic acid and glutamine could benefit breast-fed infants with molecules that are likely to protect the enteral mucosa and act as neurotransmitters and as a source of nitrogen.
Agostoni C et al; J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 31 (5): 508-12 (2000)

7 Environmental Standards & Regulations

7.1 Allowable Tolerances (Complete)

Residues of l-glutamic acid are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: Plant nutrient. Limit: Seed treatment use only.
40 CFR 180.920 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 29, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov
L-glutamic acid is exempt from the requirement of a tolerance on all food commodities when used in accordance with good agricultural practices.
40 CFR 180.1187 (USEPA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of June 29, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov

7.2 FDA Requirements (Complete)

L-Glutamic acid is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption, as long as 1) the quantity of the substance added to food does not exceed the amount reasonably required to accomplish its intended physical, nutritive, or other technical effect in food, and 2) any substance intended for use in or on food is of appropriate food grade and is prepared and handled as a food ingredient.
21 CFR 172.320 (USFDA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 1, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov
This substance is generally recognized as safe when used as a salt substitute in accordance with good manufacturing practice.
21 CFR 182.1045 (USFDA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 1, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov
This substance is generally recognized as safe when used as a salt substitute in accordance with good manufacturing practice. /Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
21 CFR 182.1047 (USFDA); U.S. National Archives and Records Administration's Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Available from, as of July 1, 2015: https://www.ecfr.gov

8 Chemical / Physical Properties

8.1 Molecular Formula

C5-H9-N-O4
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 826

8.2 Molecular Weight

147.130
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-284

8.3 Color / Form (Complete)

Orthorhombic plates from dilute alcohol
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-284

8.4 Odor

Odorless
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/

8.5 Taste

Umami sour taste
Araki K, Ozeki T; Amino Acids. Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: July 18, 2003.
Acidic (glutamate-like) taste
Drauz K et al; Amino Acids. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 7th ed. (1999-2015). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Online Posting Date: April 15, 2007.

8.6 Boiling Point

Sublimes at 175 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-284

8.7 Melting Point

213 °C (OECD Guideline 102 (Melting point / Melting Range))
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency; Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/

8.8 Density

1.538 g/cu cm at 20 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-284

8.9 LogP

log Kow = -3.69 at pH 7.0
Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 14

8.10 Dissociation Constants

pK1: 2.19; pK2: 4.25; pK3: 9.67
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 826

8.11 Solubility (Complete)

In water, 8570 mg/L at 25 °C
Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 157
Insoluble in methanol, ethanol, ether, acetone, cols glacial acetic acid and common neutral solvents.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 826

8.12 Vapor Pressure

Vapor pressure: 1.7X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C /Extrapolated from liquid-phase temperatures to a solid at 25 °C/
Daubert TE, Danner RP; Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Chemicals Data Compilation. Design Institute for Physical Property Data, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Hemisphere Pub. Corp., New York, NY (1997)
<1.10X10-5 mm Hg at 20 °C (OECD Guideline 104 (Vapor Pressure Curve))
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/

8.13 Optical Rotation

Specific optical rotation: +31.4 deg at 22.4 °C (6N HCl)
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 826
Specific optical rotation: +31.1 deg at 19 °C (dilute hydrochloric acid) /Hydrochloride/
Lide, D.R., G.W.A. Milne (eds.). Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volume I. 3rd ed. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton ,FL. 1994., p. V3: 2895
Specific optical rotation: +23.5 deg to +25.5 deg (125 mg/mL 3.0 N hydrochloric acid) /Hydrochloride/
Osol, A. and J.E. Hoover, et al. (eds.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1975., p. 737

8.14 Other Experimental Properties (Complete)

Decomposes at 160 °C
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-284
log Kow: <4.0 at 20 °C, pH unknown (OECD Guideline 107 (Partition Coefficient (n-octanol / water), Shake Flask Method))
ECHA; Search for Chemicals. Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) Registered Substances Dossier. European Chemical Agency. Available from, as of June 17, 2015: https://echa.europa.eu/
Crystalline solid. Sublimes when heated to 200 °C. d: 1.54 kg/l (20 °C). Soluble in water. /L-Glutamic acid/
Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994., p. 450
Releases hydrochloric acid on contact with water /Hydrochloride/
American Hospital Formulary Service. Volumes I and II. Washington, DC: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, to 1984., p. 56:16
In water, 3.8X10+5 mg/L at 20 °C /Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Seidell A; Solubilities of Organic Compounds. New York, NY: Van Norstrand Co Inc (1941)
Very soluble in water and alcohol /Hydrochloride/
Haynes, W.M. (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 95th Edition. CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2014-2015, p. 3-284
Insoluble in ether /Hydrochloride/
Lewis, R.J. Sr. (ed) Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 12th Edition. Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, NJ. 2012., p. 2283

9 Spectral Information

9.1 Mass Spectrometry

9.1.1 Other MS

Other MS
MASS: 423 (National Bureau of Standards EPA-NIH Mass Spectra Data Base, NSRDS-NBS-63)
Other MS
MASS: 59539 (NIST/EPA/MSDC Mass Spectral Database, 1990 Version)

9.2 UV Spectra

UV: OES 2-38 (Phillip et al., Organic Electronic Spectral Data, John Wiley & Sons, New York)

9.3 IR Spectra

IR Spectra
IR: 6816 (Coblentz Society Spectral Collection)

10 Chemical Safety & Handling

10.1 GHS Classification

Pictogram(s)
Corrosive
Signal
Danger
GHS Hazard Statements

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

Precautionary Statement Codes

P260, P264, P264+P265, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P363, P405, and P501

(The corresponding statement to each P-code can be found at the GHS Classification page.)

10.2 Fire Fighting Procedures (Complete)

Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

10.3 Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete)

Strong oxidizing agents /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

10.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete)

Skin protection: Handle with gloves. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU). /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Respiratory protection: Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a full-face particle respirator type N100 (US) or type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU). /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

10.5 Preventive Measures (Complete)

Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Normal measures for preventive fire protection. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html
SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

10.6 Stability / Shelf Life (Complete)

Stable under recommended storage conditions. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

10.7 Storage Conditions (Complete)

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

10.8 Cleanup Methods (Complete)

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust; Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

10.9 Disposal Methods (Complete)

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product. /L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride/
Sigma-Aldrich; Safety Data Sheet for L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride. Product Number: G2128, Version 4.5 (Revision Date 06/28/2014). Available from, as of April 27, 2015: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/safety-center.html

11 Manufacturing / Use Information

11.1 Uses (Complete)

For L-glutamic acid (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 374350) ACTIVE products with label matches. /SRP: Registered for use in the USA but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on L-Glutamic Acid (56-86-0). Available from, as of June 30, 2015: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
Gastric medicines; infusion solutions/diagnostic aids; raw material (peptide drugs).
Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994., p. 450
Nutritional supplement. Hydrochloride as gastric acidifier.
O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 827
MEDICATION (VET)

Reported uses (ppm):

Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 1994)

Food Category
Baked goods
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00
Food Category
Condiments, relishes
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00
Food Category
Gravies
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00
Food Category
Meat products
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00
Food Category
Milk products
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00
Food Category
Nonalcoholic beverages
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00
Food Category
Soups
Usual
400.00
Max.
400.00

Burdock, G.A. (ed.). Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. 6th ed.Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 758
Medicine, biochemical research, salt substitute, flavor enhancer (L-form only).
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 610
L-Glutamic acid is used as a neutralizing agent for basic compounds ... .
Kawakita T; L-Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology (1999-2015). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Online Posting Date: December 4, 2000

11.2 Manufacturers

Glutamic acid - Manufacturing and Production Data (2012)
Company
Akzo Nobel Inc
Site
Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals LLC
Address
525 W Van Buren St, 15th Fl, Chicago IL 60607
Manufacture
CBI
Import
CBI
US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production and use in the United States. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/
Glutamic acid sodium salt - Manufacturing and Production Data (2012) /Sodium salt/
Company
Brenntag North America Inc
Site
Brenntag Southeast Inc
Address
200 East Pettigrew St, Durham NC 27703-4049
Manufacture
No
Import
Yes
Company
Brenntag North America Inc
Site
Brenntag Pacific Inc
Address
10747 Patterson Place, Santa Fe Springs CA 90670-4043
Manufacture
No
Import
Yes
Company
Pacific Coast Chemicals
Site
Pacific Coast Chemicals Co
Address
2424 4th St, Berkley CA 94710-2489
Manufacture
No
Import
Yes
Company
Brenntag North America Inc
Site
Brenntag Mid-South Inc
Address
1405 Hwy 136 West, Henderson KY 42420-9662
Manufacture
No
Import
Yes
US EPA; Chemical Data Reporting (CDR). Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting information on chemical production and use in the United States. Available from, as of June 18, 2015: https://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/

11.3 Methods of Manufacturing (Complete)

By hydrolysis of gluten (wheat, corn or other vegetable sources); by fermentation from glucose-containing raw materials; the racemic acid may be resolved into the d- and l-isomer by fractional crystallization; from 2-cyclopentenylamine; by microbial conversion of alpha-ketoglutaric acid; or by an alternative method, using Bacillus megatherium-cereus; from fumaric acid, using Bacillus pumilus; from starch.
Burdock, G.A. (ed.). Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. 6th ed.Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 758
The first industrial production process was an extraction method in which vegetable proteins were treated with hydrochloric acid to disrupt peptide bonds. L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride was then isolated from this material and purified as MSG. Initial production of MSG was limited because of the technical drawbacks of this method. Better methods did not emerge until the 1950s. One of these was direct chemical synthesis, which was used from 1962 to 1973. In this procedure, acrylonitrile was the starting material, and optical resolution of DL-glutamic acid was achieved by preferential crystallization. In 1956 a direct fermentation method to produce glutamate was introduced. The advantages of the fermentation method (eg, reduction of production costs and environmental load) were large enough to cause all glutamate manufacturers to shift to fermentation. Today, total world production of MSG by fermentation is estimated to be 2 million tons/y (2 billion kg/y). However, future production growth will likely require further innovation.
Chiaki Sano; Am J Clin Nutr September 90 (3): 728S-732S (2009)
Microbial fermentation medium + Corneybacterium glutamicum bacteria (fermentation/separation)
Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994., p. 450
Hydrolysis of vegetable protein (e.g., beet sugar waste, wheat gluten), organic synthesis based on acrylonitrile. It comprises 40% of the gliadin in wheat gluten.
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 610

11.4 General Manufacturing Information (Complete)

In 1907 Kikunae Ikeda, a professor at the Tokyo Imperial University, began his research to identify the umami component in kelp. Within a year, he had succeeded in isolating, purifying, and identifying the principal component of umami and quickly obtained a production patent. In 1909 Saburosuke Suzuki, an entrepreneur, and Ikeda began the industrial production of monosodium L-glutamate (MSG). The first industrial production process was an extraction method in which vegetable proteins were treated with hydrochloric acid to disrupt peptide bonds. L-Glutamic acid hydrochloride was then isolated from this material and purified as MSG. Initial production of MSG was limited because of the technical drawbacks of this method. Better methods did not emerge until the 1950s. One of these was direct chemical synthesis, which was used from 1962 to 1973. In this procedure, acrylonitrile was the starting material, and optical resolution of DL-glutamic acid was achieved by preferential crystallization. In 1956 a direct fermentation method to produce glutamate was introduced. The advantages of the fermentation method (eg, reduction of production costs and environmental load) were large enough to cause all glutamate manufacturers to shift to fermentation. Today, total world production of MSG by fermentation is estimated to be 2 million tons/y (2 billion kg/y). However, future production growth will likely require further innovation.
Chiaki Sano; Am J Clin Nutr September 90 (3): 728S-732S (2009)

11.5 Formulations / Preparations (Complete)

Available commercially as the naturally-occurring L(+)-enantiomer in the form of the free base or hydrochloride salt. /L-Glutamic acid/
Ashford, R.D. Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals. London, England: Wavelength Publications Ltd., 1994., p. 450
Auxigro WP Plant Metabolic Primer (Emerald Bioagriculture Corporation): Active ingredient: Gamma-aminobutyric acid 29.2%; L-Glutamic acid 29.2%.
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's Database on L-Glutamic Acid (56-86-0). Available from, as of June 30, 2015: https://npirspublic.ceris.purdue.edu/ppis/
Grade: FCC /Food Chemical Codex/ (L-form)
Lewis, R.J. Sr.; Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary 15th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, NY 2007., p. 610

11.6 U.S. Production (Complete)

(1972) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS
SRI
(1975) PROBABLY GREATER THAN 4.54X10+5 GRAMS
SRI
Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: L-Glutamic acid. National Production Volume: Withheld.
USEPA/Pollution Prevention and Toxics; 2012 Chemical Data Reporting Database. L-Glutamic Acid (56-86-0). Available from, as of June 30, 2015: https://java.epa.gov/oppt_chemical_search/

12 Special References

12.1 Special Reports (Complete)

History of glutamate production: Chiaki Sano; Am J Clin Nutr September 90 (3): 728S-732S (2009)[Chiaki Sano; Am J Clin Nutr September 90 (3): 728S-732S (2009)]

13 Synonyms and Identifiers

Synonyms

56-86-0

GLUTAMIC ACID

Aminoglutaric acid

alpha-Aminoglutaric acid

L-2-Aminoglutaric acid

2-Amino-pentanedioic acid

1-Aminopropane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid

Glutamate, L

Glutamic acid, L

alpha-Glutamic acid

L-Glutamic acid

L-(+)-Glutamic acid

(S)-Glutamic acid

(S)-(+)-Glutamic acid

Glutaminic acid

Pentanedioic acid, 2-amino-, (S)

Glu

Glutacid

Glutaminol

Acide glutamique [French]

Acido glutamico [Spanish]

Acidum glutamicum [Latin]

UNII-3KX376GY7L

13.2 Substance Title

GLUTAMIC ACID

13.3 Associated Chemicals (Complete)

14 Administrative Information

14.1 Hazardous Substances DataBank Number

490

14.2 Last Revision Date

20151223

14.3 Last Review Date

Reviewed by SRP on 9/17/2015

14.4 Update History

Complete Update on 2015-12-23, 59 fields added/edited/deleted

Complete Update on 05/13/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 05/15/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 04/26/2001, 12 fields added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 03/25/1998, 4 fields added/edited/deleted.

Field Update on 10/17/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 10/12/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 06/06/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 01/19/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 04/20/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 04/20/1995, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 12/21/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 03/25/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Field update on 12/13/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 10/10/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 04/16/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Field update on 12/29/1989, 1 field added/edited/deleted.

Complete Update on 12/14/1984

Created 19830315 by SYS

CONTENTS