European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most common food additives used in
commercial foods and has been over-used over time. It is found in many processed foods found in
every market. Monosodium glutamate adds a special aroma to processed foods.This taste sensation
is called "umami" in Japanese or “savoury”.Its toxic effects have been shown in several animal
studies, however in most of them, the method of administration and the doses were not similar to
human MSG intake.MSG is called in many countries "China salt" but besides its flavor-enhancing
effect, MSG has been associated with more than one different form of toxicity.MSG has been
associated with obesity, metabolic disorders, neurotoxic effects, harmful effects on reproductive
organs, and Chinese restaurant syndrome.Monosodium glutamateresults in an elevated glutamate
level which leads to excitatory toxicity that may cause severe neurological damage and other
complications to the central nervous system.