What is it?
Glutamic acid hydrochloride (C5H9NO4 · HCl) is the hydrochloride salt of the amino acid glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is usually obtained from gluten, casein, or other proteins by acid hydrolysis. Glutamic acid is commonly referred to as glutamate, and is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The sodium salt of glutamic acid is monosodium glutamate (MSG), a popular, but often avoided flavor enhancer; it can often lead to side effects like headaches or flushing in susceptible people. A review by the FDA does not lead to the conclusion that consumption of MSG is hazardous, although unpleasant side effects as previously mentioned may occur. Glutamic acid is also used in veterinary medicine for achlorohydria and hypochlorohydria (no or low stomach acid).