Introduction: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is worldwide used food flavoring agent. Its safety as food additive is controversial. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin with antioxidant activities
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible toxic effect of MSG on the heart and to evaluate the potential protective effect of concomitant administration of vitamin C together with MSG on the heart of adult male albino rats.
Material and methods: The current study was conducted on 60 adult male albino rats. Rats were divided into six equal groups. The first group was used as control group. Group II was treated with vitamin C (100mg/kg/day). Group III was treated with MSG (100mg/kg/day). Group IV was treated with MSG (4g/kg/day). Group V was treated with MSG (100mg/kg/day) together with vitamin C (100mg/kg/day). Group VI was treated with MSG (4g/kg/day) together with vitamin C (100mg/kg/day). All drugs were given orally for 45 days. The weight of the heart was recorded. The level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) enzyme and the activity of creatine kinase MB (CK- MB) enzyme in serum were assessed. Histopathological examination of heart tissue was carried out.
Results: Administration of MSG led to significant increase in the heart weight with significant elevation in the serum cTnI levels and serum CK-MB activity. Sections from low dose MSG treated rats revealed cloudy swelling, while sections form high dose MSG treated rats revealed extensive cloudy swelling with fiber separation and vascular congestion. Concomitant administration of vitamin C together with MSG significantly protected against all these changes
Conclusion: It was concluded that MSG is cardiotoxic and that concomitant administration of vitamin C is protective against MSG cardiotoxicity.
Recommendations: The current study recommends that the use of MSG should be restricted to very small amounts and should be under supervision of health authorities. The use of vitamin C as a natural and cheap dietary supplement is highly recommended especially in persons who consume diets reach in flavoring agents such as MSG.