By: Jennifer Pettit Mrs. Marsha Beckwith-Howard ENG 121 April 25, 2008 Natural vs. Manufactured Glutamic Acid Glutamic Acid Manufactured Glutamic Acid D-glutamic acid is found in man made food enhancers. The glutamic acid that is freed from protein by the manufacturing process is always composed of D-glutamic acid; however it also includes contaminants that show up during the fermentation, hydrolysis through heating, or hydrolysis using hydrochloric acid processes. The D-glutamic acid also includes carcinogens (a substance or agent that can cause cancer) such as: Pyroglutamic acid, mono and dichloro propanols, heterocyclic amines and other contaminants. Young children and the Elderly are the most effected with MSG sensitivity. The Body All amino acids are absorbed by the body the same way. That is actually the problem; the body has no filter for amino acids. If they occur naturally, are man made, if they are good for the body, or laced with carcinogens; they will be absorbed by the body on a first come first serve basis. When we overload the body with man made glutamic acid the amino acids fight to be absorbed by the body, however the D-glutamic acid is absorbed first due to its concentration in the foods we eat. Issues of MSG vs. Natural Glutamic Acid MSG is a manufactured product; natural glutamic acid is made by the body. MSG is not found naturally in the human body or in food; however,glutamic acid is. MSG enters the body through the mouth, nose and skin; however, natural glutamic acid is already in the body. Conclusion D-glutamic acid and L-glutamic acid are mirror images of each other just as a right hand is a mirror image of the left. As much as they are used for the same thing, you can not put a right glove on the left hand. The body has no filter, sothe L-glutamic and D-glutamic acid are being absorbed by the body the same way; however, the D-glutamic acid or MSG are laced with carcinogens, where the L-glutamic acid or natural glutamic acid...