Effect of monosodium L-glutamate intake on protein-calorie status in healthy Thai adults

Abstract

The effect of monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) on protein-calorie status was assessed in 12 healthy Thai adult males with the mean (±SEM) age of 24.9±1.0 years. They were fed two dietary periods with or without the daily addition of 2.8 g MSG. Each period lasted for 5 days. The same menus were served for the corresponding days in each dietary period. The results showed that the aforesaid MSG intake did not affect the protein-calorie status of the subjects. These were supported by the finding that there were no significant differences in dietary intake, body weight, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, serum albumin and transferrin levels, and nitrogen balance between the two dietary periods. These findings are related to the adequate protein intake of the subjects during the study and minute contribution from MSG as a nitrogenous source. This study has also shown that the daily intake of 2.8 g MSG is not related to the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.