According To Nutritionists: MSG Doesn't Cause Obesity

Illustration (Lorena Martinez/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Cuisine with umami seasoning added with Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is often associated with obesity.

In fact, according to a nutritionist who is also the General Chair of PERGIZI PANGAN Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Hardinsyah, MS, there are many factors that trigger obesity.

"In addition to triggers from genetic potential, there is also the potential for metabolic disorders, or also hormonal imbalances. As for MSG, until now there is no scientific evidence that MSG can make a person obese," said Prof. Hardinsyah in the webinar: "Does Umami Really Cause Obesity?" some time ago, written Thursday.

"Based on a number of studies published in research journals such as in China and Vietnam, nothing can prove that the use of MSG causes overweight or obesity," said the Professor of the Faculty of Human Ecology (FEMA), Bogor Agricultural University (IPB).

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, food expert Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Sulaeman, MS said MSG as a flavoring has many benefits.

MSG consists of 78 percent glutamic acid, 12 percent sodium, and 10 percent water, and is a nutrient. Glutamic acid is found in many everyday foods such as eggs, fish, meat, and vegetables.

"MSG is not a dangerous chemical element. The raw material is from molasses through a fermentation process," he said.

According to him, MSG is also good as a substitute for salt because it can make food have a high taste, but low salt.

"The sodium content in MSG is only a third of the sodium content in normal table salt, and there have also been many previous studies that have proven that the use of MSG is beneficial to help reduce salt intake while maintaining the palatability of the food," said Professor Ahmad.

"In fact, the sodium in salt is actually up to 40 percent, or three times higher than MSG, which means salt is more at risk of making a person suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure than MSG," he said.

Grant Senjaya, Head of Public Relations Department of PT Ajinomoto Indonesia, said that currently, his party has a Salt Bijak campaign that aims to educate the public about the importance of a low-salt diet and invite Indonesian families to live healthier lives by reducing their intake or use of salt in cooking.

"One of the factors that make it difficult to reduce salt in cooking is to keep the taste delicious and not bland. This Salt Wisdom Campaign can be a careful solution in reducing the use of salt in every dish by maintaining a balanced taste," he said.