Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer) vs. E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E621: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG / Umami Flavor Enhancer)
E631: Disodium Inosinate (IMP Meat Umami Synergist)
Monosodium Glutamate (E621, MSG, C5H8NO4Na) is the sodium salt of L-glutamic acid produced via Corynebacterium glutamicum sugar fermentation, activating human T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer umami taste receptors to enhance savory mouthfeel.
E631 (Disodium 5'-Inosinate / IMP) is the sodium salt of inosinic acid, a purine nucleotide naturally found in aged beef, katsuobushi bonito flakes, and cured meats. INS 631, ADI is Not Specified, multiplying glutamate umami flavor.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Chemical Formula
|
C₅H₈NO₄Na · H₂O (Sodium 2-aminopentanedioate monohydrate) | C10H11N4Na2O8P · xH2O |
|
Functional Class
|
Flavor Enhancer (Umami savory tastant) | Flavor Enhancer (Meat Purine Umami Synergist) |
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
30 mg/kg body weight per day (EFSA 2017) / Not Specified (JECFA 1987) | Not Specified (Quantum Satis) |
|
INS / E-Number
|
INS 621 / E621 | — |
|
Taste Receptor Target
|
T1R1 + T1R3 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) heterodimer + mGluR4 | — |
|
Sodium Content
|
12.3% Sodium by weight (compared to 39.3% in standard table salt NaCl) | — |
|
Synergistic Umami Multiplication
|
1:1 ratio with E627 (Disodium Guanylate) / E631 (Disodium Inosinate) increases umami perception up to 8-fold | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E631 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 631 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Allosteric conformational stabilizer of human T1R1/T1R3 G-protein umami receptor heterodimer |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Instant soups, meat seasonings, potato chips, canned meat gravies, cured snacks |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (Bacterial Corynebacterium fermentation standard), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 172.535) |
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