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Dietary amino acids and brain function

J D Fernstrom1

  • 1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213.

Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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Dietary aromatic amino acids can impact brain neurotransmitter production, influencing brain function. However, acidic amino acids like glutamate and aspartate from food additives do not pose a risk to brain health.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Aromatic amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine) are precursors to key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
  • Acidic amino acids (glutamate, aspartate) function as neurotransmitters but have limited access to the brain from diet.
  • Food additives like monosodium glutamate and aspartame are reputed to affect brain function, but evidence is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of dietary aromatic and acidic amino acids on brain function.
  • To evaluate the impact of food additives monosodium glutamate and aspartame on brain chemistry and function.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published scientific evidence on amino acid metabolism and brain function.
  • Analysis of the bioavailability of aromatic and acidic amino acids from dietary sources.

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  • Assessment of the effects of food additives on brain neurotransmitter levels.

    • Main Results:

    • Dietary protein intake can alter brain levels of aromatic amino acids, affecting neurotransmitter synthesis and release.
    • Ingestion of proteins rich in glutamate and aspartate does not significantly impact brain levels of these amino acids.
    • Evidence indicates that aspartame does not affect brain function, and glutamate only impacts it in extremely high, isolated doses.

    Conclusions:

    • Dietary intake of aromatic amino acids can modulate brain function through neurotransmitter pathways.
    • Common dietary intake of acidic amino acids and associated food additives like aspartame and monosodium glutamate do not pose a risk to normal brain function.