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Glutamate, also known as glutamic acid, is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in the central nervous system. It is the most abundant amino acid in the brain and functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter. Glutamate is involved in cellular metabolism and is essential for brain function, readily crossing the blood-brain barrier.12

While animals can synthesize glutamate, it is also found in various plant proteins. Glutamine, a related substance, is a monoamide of glutamic acid and is also a common constituent of proteins. Glutamate is important in nerve signaling, with specific receptors like the NMDA receptor mediating its effects.231

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