Purpose:
To study the effects of MSG on the nervous system.
Research Institution:
University of Illinois Medical Center, Illinois State Pediatric Institute and the University of Iowa Hospitals
Scientist(s):
W. Ann Reynolds, N. Lemkey-Johnson, L.J. Filer, Jr., R.M. Pitkin
Results Published:
"MSG: Absence of Hypothalmic Lesions after Ingestion by Newborn Primates," Science, 1971.
Study Design:
- One group of infant monkeys was given by stomach tube a 50 percent solution of MSG in distilled water. The control group was fed distilled water only.
- Subjects were examined for any damage to brain tissue.
Study Results:
No differences in brain tissue were detected in the control group or the group that was force fed MSG.