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Table 1 Human studies of MSG with food

From: Does monosodium glutamate really cause headache? : a systematic review of human studies

First author

Vehicle for MSG administration

Protocol

Number of subjects

Incidence of headache

Statistical difference

Prawirohardjono W (2000) [7]

Opaque capsule

(1)In the morning, after fasting for 10Ā h, subjects ingested three capsules containing MSG(0.5Ā g MSG & 0.5Ā g lactose or 1.0Ā g MSG) or placebo(1.0Ā g lactose). (2)A standardized breakfast was provided and consumed immediately after capsule ingestion.

52 healthy volunteers (Indonesians) (Mean age 29.6ā€‰Ā±ā€‰6.5y, mean mass 53.4ā€‰Ā±ā€‰7.4Ā kg, mean height 159.9ā€‰Ā±ā€‰7.7Ā cm) *No indication about gender.

Placebo : 3 1.5Ā g MSG : 4 3.0Ā g MSG : 2

No difference

Tarasoff L (1993) [6]

Capsule

Fasting condition On first 3Ā days, 6 capsules immediately followed by breakfast.

71 healthy volunteers (female:41, mean age:30.7) *Mainly Caucasians

Placebo (gelatin powder): 1 1.5Ā g MSG: 0 3.0Ā g MSG: 0

No difference

Specially formulated drinks

On remaining 2Ā days, 300Ā ml soft drink immediately followed by breakfast.

Placebo (drink): 0 3.15Ā g MSG (drink): 0

No difference

Tanphaichitr V (1983) [8]

Boiled rice with pork

Menu A-D(w/o MSG), E(added 3Ā g MSG) were serve as breakfast on Day 1ā€“5 by this order.

50 adults (male:25, female:25)

Menu A(w/o MSG):4 Menu B(w/o MSG):0 Menu C(w/o MSG):2 Menu D(w/o MSG):2 Menu E(3Ā g MSG):0

No difference

Zanda G (1973) [9]

Beef bouillon

3Ā g MSG(placebo: no MSG, no substitute) in 150Ā ml beef bouillon followed by other dishes. [First session] Some subjects at random received MSG. [Second session(2Ā days later)] Opposite to the first session

73 healthy volunteers (male:38, female:35, mean age:25, 17ā€“76y)

Control(male):1 Control(female):1 3Ā g MSG (male):1 3Ā g MSG (female):6* (Pā€‰<ā€‰0.05) Responded to both (male):2 Responded to both (female):2

Only MSG-treated women had a significantly higher incidence of headache than control.

Blood pressure and pulse rate were also recorded.

Ā Ā 

Morselli PL (1970) [10]

Beef broth

3Ā g MSG in 150Ā ml beef broth followed by other dishes(meat, vegetables, fruit). [First session] MSG:8 sub., control:16 sub. [Second session(2Ā days later)] Opposite to the first session

24 healthy volunteers (male:17, female:7)

Control: 1 3Ā g MSG: 2

No difference

  1. *; Statistically significant difference was found between placebo and MSG group (Pā€‰<ā€‰0.05)