Scientific Studies on
MSG Safety
Extensive scientific studies conducted across the globe have collectively demonstrated that MSG and glutamate are generally safe for human consumption.
Key findings indicate that typical dietary doses of MSG do not have adverse health effects. They also showcase that the global regulatory bodies such as JECFA and EFSA support the safety of MSG.
Free Amino Acids in Human Milk: A Potential Role for Glutamine and Glutamate in the Protection Against Neonatal Allergies and Infections
Author: Joris H. J. van Sadelhoff, Astrid Hogenkamp, Selma P. Johan Garssen
Year: 2020
Summary: The review examined the composition of free amino acids (FAAs) in human milk, particularly glutamate and glutamine, and to explore their potential roles in neonatal immune development and protection against allergies and infections. It found that free glutamine and glutamate, which constitute nearly 70% of the FAA content in human milk, drastically increase in the first 3 months of lactation and their levels have been shown to positively correlate with infant growth, suggestive of important functions in the developing neonate. These FAAs may also influence gut microbiota and help protect neonates against allergic sensitization and infections.
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Glutamate Supply and Metabolism in Infants
Author: Berthold Koletzko, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University of Munich Medical Center, Munich, Germany
Year: 2018
Summary: The study reviewed the glutamate (Glu) supply and metabolism in infants. It highlighted that glutamate is the most abundant amino acid in human milk, and its metabolism is crucial for infant growth and development. The researchers showed that dietary glutamate is almost entirely metabolized in the splanchnic organs (gut and liver), with little to no effect on plasma glutamate levels. It concluded that there is no evidence suggesting that high glutamate intake from breast milk or certain formulas is harmful to infants.
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Free glutamic acid content of milk in Indian mothers
Authors: Poonam Singh, Department of Obstt. and Gynaecology, Majeedia Hospital, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, S. K. SAXENA, Food and Research Analysis Centre, Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi and H. N. MALLICK, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Year: 2004
Summary: The study was conducted to determine the relative concentrations of glutamic acid and glutamine in the milk of healthy Indian mothers. It found that glutamic acid is the most abundant free amino acid in the milk of Indian mothers. It also stated that high levels of free glutamic acid in human milk are significant for neonatal physiology. Glutamate is rapidly metabolized in the gut for energy and serves as a key substrate in the citric acid cycle. It supports intestinal cell energy needs and may be crucial for synaptogenesis in nervous tissue during early development.
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Glutamate-induced brain damage in infant primates. Reports of the Scientific Committee for Food on a First Series of Food Additives of Various Technological Functions
Author: Commission of the European Communities
Year: 1991
Summary: The review found that L-Glutamic acid is a component of animal and plant proteins and represents some 20% of ingested protein. It concluded that no acute, subchronic and chronic toxicity was found in mice, rats and dogs. Also, there was no evidence of carcinogenic or genotoxic potential. The Committee established a group ADI not specified based on the available data and evidence.
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