Dietary monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain in people who eat it regularly.

the verdict

CONTESTED PARTIAL

Recorded sources

1 source for · 5 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that dietary monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain in people who eat it regularly?

Partly. Animal studies conflict: some rat research reports MSG increased body weight, while pig and mouse studies found no weight change. Reviews and FDA material report no adverse outcomes at dietary exposures but do not directly settle weight gain in people.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 1 source for, 5 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Evidence for · 1

Monosodium glutamate causes hepato-cardiac derangement in male rats

2021

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Monosodium glutamate causes hepato-cardiac derangement in male rats. (2021). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1177/09603271211049550

Evidence against · 5

Monosodium glutamate: A hidden risk factor for obesity? -

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Monosodium glutamate: A hidden risk factor for obesity? - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13903

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More against · 4

Systematic review of metabolism and safety aspects of monosodium glutamate intake in infants and lactating mothers: a scientific and regulatory perspective.

2026

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T, S., HN, M., & RK, Y. (2026). Systematic review of metabolism and safety aspects of monosodium glutamate intake in infants and lactating mothers: a scientific and regulatory perspective.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1825764

Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | FDA

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Questions and Answers on Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | FDA. (n.d.). fda.gov. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg

Dietary supplementation with monosodium L-glutamate modifies lipid composition and gene expression related to lipid metabolism in growing pigs fed a normal- or high-fat diet

2015

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Dietary supplementation with monosodium L-glutamate modifies lipid composition and gene expression related to lipid metabolism in growing pigs fed a normal- or high-fat diet. (2015). hal.science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2015.06.023

The Influence On Bodyweight In Male Mice (Mus Musculus) Induced By Monosodium Glutamate (Msg)

2018

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Pane, Y. S. (2018). The Influence On Bodyweight In Male Mice (Mus Musculus) Induced By Monosodium Glutamate (Msg). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.31579/2639-4162/005

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