Awareness among Saudi Arabian parents of the relationship between Monosodium Glutamate intake and increasing Body Weight

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an amino acid which is widely used and approved as a flavor enhancer for a broad range of food. Glutamate receptor can be stimulated excessively to cause diabetes and cancer. MSG is associated with metabolic syndrome in humans. The main purpose of this study is to find a possible correlation between monosodium glutamate and signs of overweight among young children in Saudi Arabia. An electronic cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants consisted of 572 Saudi parents of children aged between 6-18 years. Data analysis was done using t-test and chi-square test. Overweight children population was found to be relatively small in Saudi Arabia compared to other gulf countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE) (40%). There is a statistically significant relationship between average weight and a preference for fast food at home. It is strongly recommended to reduce the amount of MSG taken in fast foods and snacks and some types of sweets for the prevention from associated chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and others. Moreover, increasing public awareness about obesity and its main causes by putting posters in public places. Announcing detailed information on the causes of obesity in local magazines. Doing the study in other age/gender categories like women and elderly.