MSG may boost gut bacteria compound tied to blood sugar problems
NCT ID NCT07700368
First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial investigates whether the common flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) increases blood levels of imidazole propionate (ImP), a compound produced by gut bacteria from the amino acid histidine. Higher ImP levels have been linked to blood-sugar control issues. Healthy adult volunteers take L-histidine supplements with either MSG or a salt placebo for one week each, and researchers compare ImP levels in their blood. The study aims to uncover a potential dietary influence on a microbiome-derived compound that may affect metabolic health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- monosodium glutamate (MSG) and L-histidine dietary supplements
- What this could lead to
- If MSG raises ImP levels, it could point to a dietary link between MSG and blood-sugar regulation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, so results may not apply to the general population or people with health conditions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEALTHY ADULT are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Duchossois Family Institute, Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery (KCBD), Room 4214
Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a better hazmat suit keep first responders safer and more effective?
- Home video tracking may expose the gap between clinic walking and real-world walking after stroke
- Avocado at breakfast: a secret weapon for blood sugar and fullness?
- Hamstring showdown: eccentric lifts vs sprinting for muscle gains
- Heart rate drug may reveal why exercise gets harder with age
- Could a simple questionnaire replace the gold standard for measuring salt intake?