Effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on serum lipids, blood glucose and cholesterol in adult male mice.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was administered to adult male mice for 6 d at dose levels of 2, 4 and 8 mg/g b.w. Dose levels of 4 and 8 mg/g MSG resulted in significant changes in serum total lipids, triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids and blood glucose 31 d after cessation of exposure. Administration of 2 mg/g MSG resulted in a decrease in blood glucose concentration but had no effect on the other measured end-points. No change in serum cholesterol was observed, either in free or esterified form or in different fractions of lipoproteins.