Effect of monosodium glutamate on organs of the digestive system in humans and rats

Abstract

Food additives have been widely used throughout the world in recent decades. Studies have shown that a significant share of the consumption of food additives, in particular, monosodium glutamate, falls on the inhabitants of the Asian continent. This substance is also used in the production of medicines. The effect of monosodium glutamate on the body as a whole and certain organs and systems was studied, as a rule, on white male rats. Increasing the dose of monosodium glutamate during the day, both in experimental animals and humans, leads to numerous metabolic disorders. Among them, there is an increase in body weight in certain population groups, obesity, and changes in blood and urine biochemical indicators. Such changes are often associated with damage to the kidney`s tubules and liver. The discovery of the effect of monosodium glutamate on gastric secretion in the last ten years has indicated a new direction in studying the function of MSG receptors and new methods of regulating gastric secretion. Analyzing literature data, it cannot be determined that monosodium glutamate, which is the main mediator of excitation of the central nervous system, does not participate in the basal secretion of gastric juice when administered systemically. These studies have shown a connection with an increased incidence of digestive disorders, especially among those who eat at fast food restaurants that use food additives. Therefore, long-term administration of monosodium glutamate will lead to a significant increase in the secretion of basal hydrochloric acid in the stomach of rats, and the excess of gastric juice is a risk factor for the development of gastrointestinal acid-dependent diseases, for example, gastric and duodenal ulcers.