Guanylic acid

Guanylic acid (biochemically the terms guanosine monophosphate or GMP are used synonymously) is a 5'-monophosphate derivative of guanine, a purine derivative. Guanylic acid is a component of RNA and is found in all cells of living organisms. RNA is used to convert genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into proteins. Guanylic acid is produced industrially using microorganisms.

Guanylic acid is formed during the degradation of purine compounds. The substance is approved in Europe as a food additive (E 626). The salts of guanylic acid are called guanylates. Disodium guanylate (E 627), dipotassium guanylate (E 628), calcium guanylate (E 629) are also authorised as food additives. Guanylic acid has a taste-enhancing effect in salty foods. In mixtures with glutamic acid (E 620) its taste effect is additionally enhanced.