Association between monosodium glutamate intake and sleep-disordered breathing among Chinese adults with normal body weight

Abstract Objective To assess whether monosodium glutamate (MSG) intake is associated with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Methods Data from 1227 Chinese subjects who participated in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study were analyzed. All the participants were examined at two time points (baseline in 2002 and follow-up in 2007). The MSG intake was assessed quantitatively in 2002 and a sleep questionnaire was used to assess snoring and to construct an SDB probability score in 2007. Those within the fifth quintile of the score (highest) were defined as having a high probability of SDB. Results The MSG intake was positively associated with snoring and a high probability of SDB in participants who had a normal body weight but in those who were overweight. A comparison of the extreme quartiles of MSG intake in subjects with a body mass index lower than 23 kg/m2 showed an odds ratio of 2.02 (95% confidence interval 1.02–4.00) for snoring and an odds ratio of 3.11 (95% confidence interval 1.10–8.84) for a high probability of SDB. There was a joint effect between MSG and overweight in relation to SDB. Conclusion The intake of MSG may increase the risk of SDB in Chinese adults with a normal body weight.