An exploratory scientometric analysis of monosodium glutamate and cardiovascular or metabolic diseases: Dynamicity, collaboration, and emerging patterns

Objective: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food additive in all ethnic strata, but its impact on public health is questionable due to symptoms such as headaches and nausea that have been attributed to it. This study aimed to perform a scientometric analysis of the literature related to MSG and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, covering the period from 2018 to 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory study design was employed. A comprehensive search of the Scopus database was performed using specific search terms related to MSG and cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. The analysis process in SciVal enabled the examination and visualization of various aspects of the scientific literature. Bibliometric metrics such as Scholarly Output, h-index, Field-Weighted Citation Impact, and Citations per Publication were used to assess the relevance and impact of the research results. Results: The bibliometric analysis covered 114 documents retrieved from 96 sources, including journals and books. Although the annual growth rate was negative, the average number of citations per paper was 10.1, indicating a significant impact. Collaboration among authors was remarkable, with an average of 6.68 coauthors per paper and 12.28% international coauthorships. Several authors and academic institutions were highlighted for their contributions to the field. The thematic analysis revealed changing terminology trends, reflecting the evolution of research approaches and interests over time. Conclusion: There has been a significant impact and collaboration within the research community on the study of MSG and its association with cardiovascular or metabolic diseases. The results of these studies offer valuable insights into the dynamics and quality of research in this field. They highlight the importance of further research to address the complexities of MSG’s impact on human health.