Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid. Its salts are known as glutamates. Glutamate are important neurotransmitters. They are important for long-term potentiation, learning and memory. Glutamates are also used as food additives: They make flavour better. The E numbers 620 to 625 have been assigned to the most important glutamates, for example monosodium glutamate. They are commonly found in Convenience food and Asian cuisine.