The effect of high carbohydrate and high MSG intake on body weight and white adipose tissue

Abstract

Asians often consume foods high in carbohydrates with the addition of MSG as a flavor enhancer. Foods with high carbohydrates and MSG are predicted to be obesogen. This study aims to explore the effects of high carbohydrate (HC), high MSG (HMSG), and a combination of high carbohydrate and MSG (HCHMSG) intake with the onset of obesity. Seven-week-old male Swiss Webster strain mice (Mus musculus) (n = 40) were divided into four groups. The control group consisted of 57% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, and 6.11% fat. The HC group was given food intake consisting of 71% carbohydrate, 4.62% fiber, and 1.81% fat for 14 weeks; the HMSG group's diet consisted of 57% carbohydrates, 9% fiber, 6.11% fat with an additional 10% MSG and group HCHMSG diet consisted of 71% carbohydrates, 4.62% fiber and 1.81% fat with an additional 10% MSG. Significant weight gain (p < 0.05) began at the fourth week in HC and HCHMSG groups and the HMSG group in the sixth week. After 14 weeks of study the HC group (BW 45.07 ± 4.41; p < 0.05) and the HCHMSG group were obese (42,817 ± 7,149; p > 0.05). WAT increases significantly in both HC and HCHMSG groups.