L-glutamic acid is classified as a nonessential amino acid. It may help nerve cells send and receive information from other cells. L-glutamic acid is used as a component of parenteral (intravenous) and enteral (tube feeding) nutrition. The sodium salt is used in a large quantities as a seasoning. L-glutamic acid has the greatest demand of any single amino acid, exceeding 1.5 million tons per year on a global basis. L-glutamic acid is manufactured by fermentation from carbohydrate sources.