Reconsideration of the health effects of monosodium glutamate: from bench to bedside evidence

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive that enhances the palatability of foods, thus its frequent use both domestically and industrially. Based on the dose-factor, frequency, and duration of exposure, MSG may provoke adverse health outcomes both in animals and humans. The present report aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of the scientifically proven untoward health effects of MSG. To achieve our aim, we adopted the PRISMA guidelines and checklist and searched four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) from 2014 to 2024. Retrieved research papers were critically appraised for quality using the ARRIVE and Joanna Briggs (JB) checklists and data analysis was conducted via the narrative synthesis method. Our analysis reveals that though MSG is generally considered safe at low doses; however, high doses and repeated exposure to MSG are associated with embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, obesity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity, neurotoxicity, endothelial dysfunction, reproductive toxicities, alteration of lipid, and glucose metabolism. Thus, chronic exposure to MSG may be of human pathological importance. The findings of the present narrative synthesis provide a rationale for informed decisions on the use and labeling of this widely used food additive.