| Glutamate
in Food Studies
|
| A) |
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. |
|
| B) |
Purpose: |
To
test for harmful effects resulting from a food diet containing
levels of MSG many times higher than recommended use levels
or current consumption rate. |
|
Research
Institution: |
Life
Science Laboratory of the Central Research Laboratories in Yokohama,
Japan |
|
Scientist(s): |
Y.
Takasaki, Y. Matsuzawa, S. Iwata, Y. O¼hara, S. Yonetani, M.
Ichimura |
|
Results
Published: |
"Toxicological
Studies of MSG in Rodents: Relationship between Routes of Administration
and Neurotoxicity," Toxicology Letters, 1979. |
|
Study
Design: |
- Groups
of mice and rats of varying ages were fed meals containing
differing amounts of MSG.
- Rodents
that had ingested MSG were compared to a control group that
received no MSG, and to another group that received more
MSG than would have been ingested through normal feeding
habits.
|
|
Study
Results: |
The
scientists observed that extremely large amounts of MSG used
in a food diet do not cause any immediate or long-term harmful
effects in rodents. |
|
|
| C) |
Purpose: |
To
study the possible role of dietary glutamate in stimulating
the brain to produce abnormally high blood levels of certain
hormones. |
|
Research
Institution: |
University
of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA |
|
Scientist(s): |
John
D. Fernstrom |
|
Results
Published: |
"Short-term
Neuroendocrine Effects of a Large Oral Dose of Monosodium Glutamate
in Fasting Male Subjects," Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism,
1996. |
|
Study
Design: |
- Fasting
men were given a large (12.7 grams) oral dose of MSG or
a high protein meal.
- Subjects
were also given both a negative control or positive control
to elevate levels of several hormones in order to assess
brain function.
- Hormone
levels were measured following all administrations.
- Subjective
participant feelings were evaluated by self-rating questionnaires.
|
|
Study
Results: |
Plasma
levels of hormones evaluated were unaffected by MSG. Even following
a high dose of MSG, little or no effect on hypothalamic or pituitary
function was observed. The self-evaluation revealed no mood
or physical effects were experienced during the two days following
treatment. |
| Return
to MSG Safety |
