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Glutamate

Level 3 — ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Glutamate is a flavor enhancer — Flavor enhancer, taste enhancer for natural food flavors

Also: Ammonium glutamate, Monopotassium glutamate

What it does

Flavor enhancer, taste enhancer for natural food flavors

Where you'll see it

Processed foods, tobacco

What the research says

European Parliament stated in 2003 these taste enhancers can provoke nervous symptoms (decreased sensibility in neck, arms, back) and irregular heartbeat; problems for asthmatic persons.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: GRAS
  • Notes: Being studied for mutagenic, teratogenic, subacute, reproductive effects

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): these taste enhancers can provoke in certain cases nervous symptoms