Disodium Guanylate
Flavors + Colors
Questionable
Details
Definition
Disodium guanylate is a food additive that is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. Typically used in combination with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to enhance the savory or umami flavor of foods. It is particularly effective in enhancing the flavor of meats, soups, and sauces.
AKAs
sodium 5'-guanylate,disodium 5'-guanylate,E627
Health Impact
Adverse reactions such as headaches, skin rash, or gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. Since it is ofter paired with MSG, those sensitive to MSG should avoid it. People with gout or a history of uric acid kidney stones should also avoid disodium guanylate because guanylates often metabolize to purines, which are compounds that can raise uric acid levels in your body.
Sources
Monosodium glutamate, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate, lysine and taurine improve the sensory quality of fermented cooked sausages with 50% and 75% replacement of NaCl with KCl
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24008059/Alteration in plasma free amino acid levels and its association with gout
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664792/Regulation of uric acid metabolism and excretion
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26316329/