The effect of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on blood glucose in adult rabbits as models

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of monosodium glutamate on fasting blood glucose. 18 adult rabbits (1.6 ± 0.20 Kg), procured from the animal house at the College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and transferred to the Physiology Laboratory of the same institution were used for this study. The animals were grouped into two: groups A (control) and B (Test B1 and Test B2). Group A received water and feed (grower’s mash) with grass supplementation. Group B (Test B1 and B2) received 3.33mg/ml and 6.66mg/ml of MSG respectively at libitum. At the end of each week, fasting blood glucose levels were determined using glucose test strips by Betacheck, Australia, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Blood samples were also collected via venipuncture. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in blood glucose levels during acclimatization. However, B1 and B2 presented significant weekly increases in blood glucose levels especially amongst group B2 rats. This study suggests therefore, that MSG has the potential to induce elevations in blood glucose level and consequently, diabetes mellitus in animals.

Key words: Monosodium glutamate, Ajino-moto, Blood glucose level, Diabetes mellitus, Obesity.