Interaction of MSG taste with nutrition: perspectives in consummatory behavior and digestion

Studies in the taste system of mammals indicate that monosodium glutamate (MSG) produces a unique taste sensation termed umami. As a derivative of glutamic acid, MSG is a naturally occurring nutrient in many foods; its commercial use to improve food palatability for humans is well documented. Behavioral studies with experimental animals have revealed that preference for MSG in solutions and selection of MSG-flavored diets can be explained by sensory means with no appreciable effects on preference by postingestive consequences. However, preference for umami-flavored fluids is reduced by feeding rats low-protein diets or low quality protein. MSG-flavored diets, initially unpreferred, were subsequently highly selected. However, the adulteration of diets by MSG either did not or only slightly increased food intake. In light of the significant contribution of MSG to diet taste, apparently as a signal coupled to dietary proteins, physiological studies have been initiated to reveal its role as a stimulator of the cephalic phase of pancreatic exocrine secretion. Modified sham-feeding experiments with dogs have shown that oral stimulation by MSG produced significant stimulation of both pancreatic flow and protein output in conscious dogs.