E621
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
The sodium salt of glutamic acid, used to add savory umami flavor.
i Additive Details
| Uses
Enhances savory flavor in instant noodles, savory snacks, soup mixes, stock cubes, processed meats, fast food, frozen meals, and many Asian condiments and seasonings. Delivers umami depth at a fraction of the salt content of sodium chloride.
| Precautions
EFSA, the FDA, and the WHO consider MSG safe at normal dietary levels. Some individuals report 'MSG symptom complex' (headaches, flushing, sweating), but well-controlled trials have struggled to reproduce this reliably.
| Interactions
Glutamic acid is one of the 20 standard amino acids and a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Dietary glutamate is metabolized rapidly in the gut and does not raise blood levels meaningfully.
| Origin
Produced by bacterial fermentation, most commonly using Corynebacterium glutamicum on a carbohydrate substrate (often molasses or cassava). Glutamic acid also occurs naturally in tomatoes, parmesan, mushrooms, and seaweed.
| Daily Intake
EFSA established a group ADI of 30 mg per kg of body weight per day for glutamic acid and its salts in 2017. JECFA's earlier evaluation set 'ADI not specified'.
Information is sourced from public regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA, WHO) and is for reference only. Always read the package and consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
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