Glutamic acid (INS-620)
Food additive with flavor enhancing function.It is a natural acid, present in all proteins. For industrial use, it is obtained from plant matter. Glutamic acid is an amino acid produced by the human body, not needing it from outside sources. It is used by the brain as a neurotransmitter and by the intestines as an energy source. Some studies have shown that glutamates have a neurotoxic potential in children and even in adults, while other studies didn’t. However, the neurotoxic potential is real, because glutamate (like aspartate from aspartame) is a neurotransmitter and the brain’s cerebral blood barrier, which protects the brain from toxins and excess neurotransmitters is underdeveloped in children and in adults it may not protect all cerebral areas or it may be deteriorated.