Scientists in Spain link additive to obesity

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive (E-621) used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods. Until now it has been generally considered as one of the least offensive additives used by the food industry. But Spanish scientists have concluded that aswell as enhancing flavour, MSG also enhances hunger and as such could be one of the key factors behind the problem of obesity, especially among children.

Monosodium glutamate is widely used in all kinds of processed foods that are popular with children (sausages, chips, processed foods, crisps, sweets and pre-prepared dishes) and also in restaurants.

A team of scientists in the Faculty of Medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid has discovered that when given to rats, E-621 produces a massive 40 percent increase in appetite. The scientists think the additive affects the arcuate nucleus area of the brain and so prevents proper functioning of the body's appetite control mechanisms. According to this hypothesis, people (and children) who consume foods with large quantities of E-621 just feel more and more hungry the more they eat.

Glutamate is an amino acid which naturally enhances the flavour of natural ingredients and as such is present in most of the fresh food we eat. The problems which these Spanish scientists consider potentially crucial in the rising problem of obesity arise when it is used as an additive to enhance the flavour of processed foods or foods served in a restaurant, or even at home. Food companies are obliged by law to list E-621 in the ingredients, but they do not have to specifiy the quantity used.

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