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OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT01410838

Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Energy Balance and Eating Behavior

This study will test whether regular consumption of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) immediately prior to each of the three major meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) inhibits body weight and fat regain following a period of moderate, yet clinically significant weight loss.

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Key information

Age range

19 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Western Human Nutrition Center, University of California Davis

Davis, California, 95616, United States

About this study

The proposed study enables us to assess the long term effects of consuming MSG on body weight regain following weight loss.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women
  • Age 19-45
  • BMI 27-35
  • Blood pressure <140/90
  • Non-smoking

Exclusion criteria

  • Anemic: hgb < 11.5 mg/dL
  • Sensitivity to MSG (self reported)
  • Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
  • Taking medication for hypertension, depression, or weight loss
  • Diabetic
  • Vegetarian
  • MRI Contraindications: internal metal, braces on teeth, history of metal in the eye, claustrophobia
  • blindness or heavily corrected vision
  • not fluent in English

Treatment and study plan

Broth

Other

200 mL of sodium chloride containing broth, consumed three times per day

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in body weight

    Time frame: weeks 11, 12, and 25

    Subjects will have their body weight measured to determine the effect of MSG on body weight regain following weight loss.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in body fat

    Time frame: weeks 11 and 25

    Volunteers will have their body fat measured by DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry) to determine the effect of MSG on body fat regain following weight loss.

  2. Change in eating behavior

    Time frame: weeks 11, 12 and 25

    The effect of MSG on eating behavior will be measured using questionnaires, sensory evaluation testing, stress responsivity, and liking and wanting tests, and appetite assessments.

  3. Change in resting energy expenditure

    Time frame: weeks 11, 12, and 25

    The effect of MSG on resting energy expenditure will be measured using respiratory gas exchange using a metabolic cart system.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

USDA, Western Human Nutrition Research Center

Fed

Collaborators

  • Ajinomoto USA, INC.

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Ingesting Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) on Energy Balance and Eating Behavior Following Moderate Energy Restriction and Weight Loss in Overweight Women

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2014
First posted
Aug 5, 2011
Registry last updated
May 21, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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