Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a flavor enhancer that intensifies the savory taste of foods. It is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, which occurs naturally in foods like tomatoes and cheese. While MSG is used widely in processed foods to enhance flavor, some claim it can cause side effects like headaches and flushing when consumed in large quantities. However, others argue that MSG has benefits as an appetite stimulant and salt substitute. The food industry widely uses MSG for its low cost and ability to encourage increased consumption.

1. Topic of Presentation:-
Monosodium Glutamate
Presented by :- Arooj Attique
Roll num:- 21155140

2. Monosodium Glutamate
 Monosodium glutamate (MSG, also known as
sodium glutamate) is the sodium salt of glutamic
acid, one of the most abundant naturally occurring
non-essential amino acids. Monosodium
glutamate is found naturally in tomatoes, cheese
and other foods.MSG is used in the food industry
as a flavor enhancer with an umami taste that
intensifies the meaty, savory flavor of food, as
naturally occurring glutamate does in foods such
as stews and meat soups.

3. Monosodium Glutamate
Structure

4. Properties
Chemical Formula C5H8NO4Na
Molar mass 169.111 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder
Melting Point 232 °C (450 °F; 505 K)
Solubility of water 740 g/L

5. MSG in Food:-
• Flavored (especially cheese-
• Canned soups
• Instant noodles
• Soup and dip mix
• Seasoning salt
• Bouillon cubes
• Salad dressings
• Gravy mixes or pre-made gravies
• Cold cuts and hot dogs, including
soy-based (i.e. vegetarian) varieties

6.  Glutamate functions as a neurotransmitter in
the brain. It is an "excitatory" neurotransmitter,
meaning that it excites nerve cells in order to
relay its signal. Some have claimed that MSG
leads to excessive glutamate in the brain, and
excessive stimulation of nerve cells. For this
reason, MSG has been referred to as an
excitotoxin.
 In the year 1969, injecting large doses of
MSG into newborn mice was shown to cause
harmful neurological effects. This paper
ignited a fear of MSG, which remains to this
day.
Why Do People Think That It Is
Harmful

7. MSG Side Effects:-
 Some people find that consuming MSG, especially
in large quantities, can trigger various side effects
and symptoms, including
 Headaches
 Nausea
 Dizziness
 Rapid or irregular heartbeat
 Flushing or excessive sweating
 Skin rash
 Intense thirst
 Ringing ears
 Tingling in the mouth

8. Advantages:-
 MSG’s enhancement of flavor
encourages appetite, an
advantage in medical
situations where people lack
the desire to eat, through age
or illness, and need to be
encouraged to take food.
Another benefit is as a
substitute for the extra salt
often added to many
processed foods. Salt has
traditionally been used to
enhance the taste of food, but
is proved to have health risks.

9. Industry
 MSG has many business advantages for the
food industry, including its cheapness and
easy availability. But its biggest advantage is
that it encourages people to buy more of the
industry’s products.