Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Study of the Toxic Effectsof Monosodium Glutamate on the Central Nervous System

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ShimaaRagab Desoky1 , Eman Abdel-Razik Abdel-Fattah2 , and NehadFahmy Mazen3

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.

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