Monosodium glutamate (C5H8NO4Na), also known as MSG, is an organic compound derived from glutamic acid that is used as a flavor enhancer for food. Glutamic acid or glutamate is a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid that combines with the sodium ion to form MSG. Glutamate is produced naturally by our bodies and is also found in the meats and vegetables we eat (Health Canada, 2008, paragraph 1). MSG is a white, odorless crystalline compound in its pure form. MSG on its own tastes similar to salt, but when added to a dish, the natural flavor of the food itself is enhanced. The functional groups associated with MSG are one amine group and two carboxyl groups. MSG readily dissociates into sodium and glutamate ions in water and saliva. Discovered in 1908 by a Japanese chemist named Kikunae Ikeda who isolated the compound from algae, MSG quickly found its role in the food industry. Ikeda describes this new taste as different from the four pre-existing flavors known as: sweet, bitter, salty and sour. He named this new flavor umami, which means a savory and pleasant taste (Rouhi, 2003, Para. 6). In 1909, MSG was introduced to the market under its trade name Ajinomoto in Japan. Over time, the MSG manufacturing process shifted from seaweed extraction to large-scale industrial fermentation of molasses extracted from sugar cane and beets to support growing demand (Rouhi, 2003, paragraph 4). Today, MSG can be found in many processed foods and fast food restaurants. MSG has been used in various recipes around the world for over a century. It is one of the most studied food additives in human history and throughout that time, many documented studies have been done on it...... middle of article. .....n.nutrition.org/content/130/4/978S.full6. Rouhi, AM (2003, July 28). C&EN: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Monosodium glutamate. Retrieved March 17, 2014, from https://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/8130sci3.htmlStanford University (June 11, 2011). About glutamate toxicity “HOPES. Accessed March 17, 2014, from https://www.stanford.edu/group/hopes/cgi-bin/wordpress/2011/06/about-glutamate-toxicity/7. United States Food and Drug Administration (November 19, 2012). Questions and answers about monosodium glutamate (MSG). Accessed March 17, 2014, from http://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm328728.htm8. Zeratsky, K. (April 3, 2012). Monosodium glutamate (MSG): is it harmful? -Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 17, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196