Purpose:
To test the hypothesis that infants metabolize glutamate more slowly than adults.
Research Institution:
Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine
Scientist(s):
Lewis D. Stegink, L.J. Filer, Jr., George L. Baker, Edward F. Bell
Results Published:
"Plasma Glutamate Concentrations in One-Year-Old Infants and Adults Ingesting MSG in Consommé," Pediatric Research, 1985.
Study Design:
Eight infants and nine adults were fed equivalent doses on a body weight basis of MSG in beef consommé.
Plasma glutamate levels of each group were measured.
Study Results:
The data indicated that the plasma glutamate levels in infants were no higher than those recorded for the adult participants. Therefore, infants metabolize MSG at the same rate as adults and do not metabolize glutamate at a slower rate than adults.