Recommended Dosage of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) for Medical Purposes
There is no established medical dosage for monosodium glutamate (MSG) as it is not approved or used for any therapeutic medical purposes. According to available guidelines, MSG is only recognized as a food additive and flavor enhancer, not as a medication 1.
What is MSG?
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid that functions as a flavor enhancer in foods. It is classified as a food additive (E621) and is commonly used in the food preparation industry to enhance palatability 2, 3.
Evidence on MSG Usage
The only documented dosage information for MSG comes from food challenge testing protocols, where specific amounts are used to test for potential sensitivity reactions:
- For food additive challenge testing, MSG is typically administered in doses of 200,400,800, and 1600 mg, with some protocols using up to 5 g 1
- These doses are specifically for diagnostic food challenge testing, not for therapeutic purposes
Health Considerations with MSG
Recent research has raised concerns about potential adverse effects of MSG consumption:
High doses and repeated exposure to MSG have been associated with various health issues including:
A 2024 study found that MSG administration in rats significantly increased inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters, particularly when combined with diabetes models 2
A comprehensive review from 2025 concluded that while MSG is generally considered safe at low doses, high doses and repeated exposure may be associated with various toxicities 4
Regulatory Status
The Turkish Food Codex sets the maximum permissible amount of MSG in foods at 10 g/kg 5, but this is a food safety regulation, not a medical dosage guideline.
Palatability Enhancement
If considering MSG for palatability enhancement in nutritionally vulnerable populations (not as a medication):
- Research indicates an optimal palatability enhancement at 0.6% concentration in foods 6
- This concentration has been shown to improve food intake in both young and elderly individuals 6
Conclusion
MSG is not a medication and has no established medical dosage. It should be viewed strictly as a food additive with potential benefits for enhancing food palatability in specific populations, but with caution regarding potential adverse effects from high or chronic exposure.