What is Gamma-glutamyl-valyl-glycine?
Gamma-glutamyl-valyl-glycine is a synthetic tripeptide composed of three amino acids: gamma-glutamic acid, valine, and glycine. Its CAS number is 38837-70-6. As a peptide-based compound, it belongs to a class of flavor-active molecules that can modulate taste perception and enhance flavor complexity in food formulations. The compound is used specifically as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant, meaning it either provides flavor directly or works to enhance the flavor profile of other ingredients.
Common Uses
Gamma-glutamyl-valyl-glycine is utilized in the food industry primarily as a flavoring component. Tripeptides and peptide-based flavoring agents have gained interest in food technology due to their ability to provide umami taste enhancement and savory flavor notes. These compounds are particularly valuable in processed foods, seasonings, flavor blends, and food formulations where enhanced taste profiles are desired. The specific applications may include savory snacks, meat products, broths, sauces, and other prepared foods where flavor intensity or complexity is a target attribute.
Safety Assessment
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with gamma-glutamyl-valyl-glycine, and no FDA recalls have been issued for products containing this additive. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls indicates that the compound has not triggered safety concerns within the FDA's post-market surveillance system.
As a tripeptide composed of naturally occurring amino acids (glutamic acid, valine, and glycine), the compound is structurally similar to peptide sequences found in protein hydrolysates and fermented foods that humans consume regularly. The individual amino acids that compose this tripeptide are essential or non-essential amino acids widely present in the diet. However, the specific combination and form as a synthetic tripeptide represents a distinct substance requiring safety evaluation.
Toxicological data specific to this compound appears limited in publicly available scientific literature, which is common for many specialized food additives with narrow applications. The lack of reported adverse events combined with zero recalls suggests no identified safety signals in commercial use.
Regulatory Status
Gamma-glutamyl-valyl-glycine is not listed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. This designation means the compound has not undergone the GRAS notification process or does not meet GRAS criteria based on published scientific evidence and expert consensus.
Despite not having GRAS status, the absence of adverse events or recalls suggests the compound may be used in foods through alternative regulatory pathways or approvals. Food additives in the United States can be approved through the food additive petition process or may be used under specific regulatory provisions. The lack of GRAS status does not automatically indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates the specific regulatory pathway and evaluation method used differ from GRAS determination.
Regulatory status in other jurisdictions (such as European Union, Japan, or other countries) may differ and should be verified for specific regions where products containing this additive are marketed.
Key Studies
Publicly available peer-reviewed research specifically focused on gamma-glutamyl-valyl-glycine appears limited. Most scientific literature on tripeptide flavorings addresses classes of compounds rather than individual tripeptides. General research on peptide-based flavor compounds and umami enhancement provides context for understanding how such molecules function in food systems.
The absence of adverse event reports in FDA databases and the lack of regulatory action or recalls represents the most significant real-world safety data available for this specific additive. Manufacturers using this ingredient are responsible for ensuring safety through appropriate testing and documentation as required by FDA regulations.