Effect of Umami Exposure on MSG Induced-satiation

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is an amino acid salt that naturally enhances umami taste in many foods. It is often used to reduce salt (NaCl) in products while keeping the flavour. However, MSG might slow down satiation, leading to larger portions. This effect could vary based on diet and umami exposure, but there is no empirical data yet to confirm this hypothesis. Therefore, a long-term systematic investigation is necessary to objectively evaluate what the duration and extent of the effect of umami taste exposure is on absolute food intake, and whether it can have an effect on other outcomes, such as appetite ratings, meal liking, taste sensitivity, food preference, body hydration, weight status, self-reported diet tolerance and other potential side effects. The study sample will consist of 75 participants, that will randomly be distributed over three intervention groups: regular umami exposure (n = 25), low umami exposure (n = 25) and high umami exposure (n = 25). The intervention is fully controlled, for a period of two weeks, with an additional one-week run-in period in which all participants consume the regular umami exposure diet. Umami taste will be added through MSG supplementation of the three main meals. Supplementation will depend on both intervention group, and individual participants' body weight. The primary objective is to compare the effects of a 2-week low-, regular- and high dietary MSG exposure on umami-induced satiation. Differences in absolute food intake will be assessed by an ad libitum satiation test, which participants will be presented with at baseline (day 7), mid-intervention (day 14) and end of intervention (day 22). Secondary outcomes such as differences between intervention groups in satiety and appetite ratings, test meal liking, taste sensitivity, food preference, body hydration status, weight, self-reported diet tolerance and other potential side effects.

Umami seems to have a dual role in food intake regulation. On the one hand, flavouring meals with MSG has been shown to increase meal size by enhanced palatability \[16, 17\]. On the other hand, it has also shown to decrease food intake on the longer term. For example, studies with MSG supplemented preloads report lower hunger ratings \[6, 18, 19\], desire to eat \[20\], or reduced food intake compared to a control \[17, 21, 22\]. So, although MSG enhances the palatability of meals and increases initial meal sizes, it may be effective in reducing hunger and subsequent food intake later in the day. Therefore, long-term, studies isolating umami taste are needed, to be able to examine its duration and extent of effect on food intake. In the proposed study, we compare the effects of diets with different levels of umami taste on different aspects of energy intake regulation. It primarily aims to study the effect of dietary exposure to umami taste on umami-induced satiation; to answer questions on the effect size and direction, and duration of effects. The intervention approach - using population distribution of taste exposure - builds upon a study that we recently conducted on the effect of sweetness exposure on dietary behaviour, keeping the taste exposure within realistic boundaries and therefore relevant for the Dutch population. The study will provide important data on the health effects of MSG use in food reformulations within realistic boundaries; it will give insights in food intake regulation and weight management. It may also guide health councils and other authorities in establishing realistic dietary guidelines.

The primary objective is to compare the effects of a 2-week low, regular and high umami exposure on MSG-induced satiation. The hypothesis is that a low umami exposure will lead to a higher ad libitum food intake due to lower umami-induced satiation, and that a high umami exposure will lead to a lower ad libitum food intake in due to higher umami-induced satiation compared to regular umami exposure. Secondary objectives are to compare the effects of a 2-week low, regular and high umami exposure on satiety, appetite ratings, test food liking, taste sensitivity, food preference, body hydration status, weight status and self-reported MSG tolerance. Participants will be matched on sex (male or female), age (20-30 or 31-55) and weight (60-68kg, 68-77kg or 77-85kg) and randomly allocated to one of the three intervention arms:

* Low umami exposure, 0g MSG added to the diet daily (n = 25);
* Regular umami exposure (control), 20-25 mg MSG per kg body weight added to the diet daily (n = 25);
* High umami exposure, 50-55mg MSG per kg body weight added to the diet daily (n = 25).

The umami exposure level of the intervention diets is based on the estimated distribution of free glutamate intake of the Dutch population. The low umami intervention group represents 0-5% of the intake level, the regular umami intervention group represents 45-55% of the intake level, and the high umami intervention group represents 85-95% of the intake level. The intervention is fully controlled, meaning that participants will only consume foods they will be provided with for three weeks. Foods will be prepared and packed for participants individually, matching their energy needs, meaning that participants are required to consume everything they are provided with. A basic diet will be made, as low in naturally occurring free glutamate as possible, and supplemented with MSG according to participants' intervention group and body weight. Macronutrient composition of the offered foods is similar in energy and macronutrient composition, that is fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibers, but different in MSG content. To account for differences in sodium content, diets are matched using salt (NaCl) to ensure similar sodium intake. To account for baseline differences in umami tasting food intake, a one-week run-in period precedes the two-week dietary intervention. During this week, participants consume the regular umami exposure diet (control), as it allows for adjusting the energy provided by the diet. More importantly, it helps participants to get used to the diet, and it ensures that the three intervention groups start with the same baseline umami exposure.

MSG induced satiation will be assessed by measuring absolute food intake from an ad libitum containing meal. The main outcome is the difference in intake between intervention groups at the end of the intervention (day 22), adjusted for baseline differences (day 7). This is calculated as the mean intake at day 22 minus the intake at day 7 in both weight (g) and energy (kcal) per intervention arm. A mid-intervention measurement will be done on day 14, to assess a possible pattern of MSG induced satiation. Differences between intervention groups in satiety and appetite ratings and test meal liking will be assessed using a visual analogue scale in a short questionnaire daily and more elaborately on day 7, 14 and 22. Taste sensitivity, food preference, body hydration status and weight status will be measured on day 7, 14 and 22. Self-reported diet tolerance and other potential side effects will be measured daily in the participant's diary. Compliance will be assured by visiting the research facilities for lunch daily on weekdays, and by before and after lunch meal pictures during weekends.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy: as judged by the participant
* Age 20-55 years at the time of inclusion, assessed by date of birth;
* Proper understanding of the Dutch language, as questionnaires will be in Dutch;
* Able to visit Wageningen University, as required for dietary intervention and testing;
* Weight 60-80 kg (female) or 65-85 kg (male), as MSG supplementation is based on bodyweight;
* Body mass index 20-25 kg/m2;
* Having normal taste ability, assessed using Mueller taste strip test, ≥12 out of 20 assessed correctly;
* Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Suffering from endocrine- or gastro-intestinal diseases or other diseases that might influence study outcomes (such as diabetes, Crohn's disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, etc.);
* Diagnosed with eating disorders (in the past);
* Diagnosed with taste or smell disorders in the past six months;
* Pregnant or lactating during the study intervention;
* Gain or loss of more than 3 kgs in the last three months prior to study entry;
* Suffering from lack of appetite for any reason;
* Use of medication that may influence the appetite, or medication that may affect body hydration status (medication will be judged by the medical investigator);
* Having a food allergy and/or intolerance for foods used in the dietary intervention (e.g. lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, MSG sensitivity). This will be assessed with an open question;
* Consumes more than 14 (women) or 21 (men) glasses of alcohol per week;
* Consumes MSG-rich sauces (soy sauce, ketchup and/or curry paste) more than once per day, or consumes more than 3 savoury food items (paprika chips, instant noodles, sundried tomatoes and/or mushrooms) per day. This will be assessed with a frequency of consumption table;
* Irregular eating pattern. This will be measured with a frequency of meal/food consumption table, and is defined as: frequency of breakfast consumption less than once per week;
* Unwilling to maintain regular exercise pattern during the study period. This will be assessed with a yes/no question;
* Unwilling to quit use of soft or hard drugs during the intervention;
* Student or personnel of the division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University;
* Participating in any other intervention study/studies or planning to participate in another intervention study during the study period;
* Restrained eating score of ≥2.7 (females)/ ≥2.2 (males) measured by Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.