EFFECT OF LONG-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE ON BODY WEIGHT OF RATS AND SOME INDICES OF LIPID METABOLISM

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely known as a flavor enhancer that is used inmany processed foods. In this case, permissible standards can be significantly exceeded.Debate and research continues about the potential health effects of MSG, particularly itsrelationship with obesity and metabolic disorders.The aim of the work – to study the effect of a 30-day administration of monosodiumglutamate at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight on the levels of glucose, triglycerides and totalcholesterol in the blood of rats, as well as its potential role in the development of obesity.Materials and methods. The study of the effect of monosodium glutamate was carriedout on 3-month-old rats that received a 3 % aqueous solution per os daily, 1 ml at a rateof 30 mg/kg body weight for 30 days. The control group received a standard diet withoutadded monosodium glutamate.Research results. It has been found that after 1 month, in rats injected with monosodiumglutamate, body weight was 11.5 % greater than the control, and body length decreased6.8 %. Anthropometric indicators were used to determine the body mass index of rats,which may indirectly indicate the development of obesity. In the experimental group ofrats, this figure increased 28 % compared to the control. Changes in some parameterscharacteristic of obesity were observed in the blood of animals administered orallywith monosodium glutamate for 30 days. First of all, an increase in glucose levels wasrecorded 75 %, triacylglycerides – 60 %, and total cholesterol – 25 % compared to thecontrol group of rats.Conclusions. As a result of experimental studies, it has been proven that a 30-dayadministration of monosodium glutamate at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight led toadverse effects on the level of glucose, triacylglycerides and total cholesterol in the bloodserum of 3-month-old rats. The established changes in the body mass index of animalsindicate the potential role of monosodium glutamate in the development of obesity. Theresults indicate the dangers of long-term use of the dietary supplement MSG, especiallyat a young age.