Disodium Guanylate
Disodium Guanylate

Disodium Guanylate

Common names: Disodium 5′-guanylate, Guanylate disodium salt, GNC (brand name), Taste booster (brand name), E635.
See the full list of safe or harmful ingredients on the Food Ingredient Checker
KIDSADVISORY SAFETY RATING
See methodology
Caution
Published by Jordana Tobelem, RD, LDN — Last Updated on Apr 16, 2025
Medically reviewed by Dr. William Lin, MD
Disodium guanylate is a flavor enhancer commonly used in the food industry to intensify the umami taste in various products. It is often combined with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to create a synergistic effect that enhances savory flavors. This additive is typically found in processed foods such as snacks, soups, and sauces.[1]
While generally recognized as safe for consumption, disodium guanylate may pose concerns for certain individuals. People with gout or those sensitive to purines should exercise caution, as it can increase uric acid levels. Additionally, individuals sensitive to MSG might experience similar reactions when consuming disodium guanylate, especially since these additives are often used together.[1]

Safety Overview

Regulatory Bodies

FDA (US)
The FDA permits the use of disodium guanylate as a flavor enhancer in foods, provided it is used at levels not exceeding those reasonably required to achieve its intended effect.[2]
Health Canada
Health Canada permits the use of disodium guanylate as a food additive in various food products, aligning with international safety assessments.[3]
EFSA (Europe)
EFSA has evaluated disodium guanylate and considers it safe for use as a food additive, categorizing it under “additives other than colors and sweeteners” with the designation E627.[4]
WHO (World Health Organization)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has assigned an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of “not specified” for disodium guanylate, indicating a low risk of adverse health effects at typical consumption levels.[5]

FDA GRAS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)
Current Status
Classified

EWG Rating

Environmental Working Group
  • EWG Rating: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) assigns disodium guanylate a low concern rating in food products.[6]
  • Level of Caution: EWG has not identified any specific concerns associated with disodium guanylate in food.[6]
  • Possible Health Risks: While EWG does not list specific health risks for disodium guanylate, individuals sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG) may experience similar reactions when consuming disodium guanylate, especially since these additives are often used together.[1]
get life saving Recall Alerts for parents
Sign up for free recall alerts today.
Sign Up

More about Disodium Guanylate

  • Savory Snacks: Potato chips, pretzels, and flavored popcorn
  • Prepared Sauces: Soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings
  • Instant Foods: Instant noodles, ramen, and canned soups

Historical Use
Discovered in the early 20th century by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda, disodium guanylate was initially extracted from seaweed and has since been utilized to enhance umami flavors in foods.[7]
Current Exposure
Today, consumers are frequently exposed to disodium guanylate through processed foods such as instant noodles, snack foods, and canned soups, where it is often combined with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to intensify savory flavors.[1]

MSG Sensitivity
Individuals sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG) may experience similar adverse effects, such as headaches and flushing, when consuming disodium guanylate, especially since these additives are often used together.[8]
Gout and Hyperuricemia
Due to its purine content, disodium guanylate can elevate uric acid levels, potentially exacerbating conditions like gout or hyperuricemia in susceptible individuals.[9]
Kidney Stones
Those with a history of uric acid kidney stones should exercise caution, as disodium guanylate may increase uric acid levels, potentially contributing to stone formation.[10]
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to disodium guanylate, presenting symptoms such as rashes or itching.[9]

Toxicological Studies
Research indicates that disodium guanylate exhibits low acute toxicity, with high LD50 values in animal studies, suggesting minimal risk at typical consumption levels.[9] LD50 (Lethal Dose for 50% of the population) is the amount of a substance required to cause death in 50% of a test population, used to measure its acute toxicity
Long-Term Safety
Long-term studies in rats have not demonstrated carcinogenic or teratogenic effects from consuming disodium guanylate, indicating its safety over extended periods.[11]

High-Risk Groups
Individuals with gout or hyperuricemia are considered high-risk when consuming disodium guanylate, as it contains purines that can elevate uric acid levels, potentially triggering gout attacks.[9]
Health Impacts
In vulnerable populations, such as those with existing kidney conditions, the increased uric acid levels resulting from disodium guanylate consumption may exacerbate renal issues, highlighting the need for dietary caution.[9]

Recommended Intake
Regulatory bodies, including the FAO/WHO, have not established a specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Disodium Guanylate due to the lack of evidence indicating any significant health risks at typical consumption levels. The substance is considered safe when used in moderation as a food additive, with no specific maximum allowable dosage recommended.[3]

General Safety Level
Disodium guanylate is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a flavor enhancer in food products, provided its usage does not exceed levels necessary to achieve its intended effect.[2]
Sensitive Individuals
People with conditions such as gout or hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood) should limit their intake of disodium guanylate because its purine content can raise uric acid levels, potentially exacerbating symptoms. Additionally, individuals sensitive to monosodium glutamate (MSG) might experience similar adverse reactions, as these substances are often used together.[4]

FAQ

What is disodium guanylate?

Disodium guanylate is a flavor enhancer derived from nucleotides, commonly used in processed foods to boost umami taste.

Is disodium guanylate bad for you?

Disodium guanylate is generally considered safe but should be avoided by individuals sensitive to purines, such as those with gout.

Is disodium guanylate gluten-free?

Yes, disodium guanylate is gluten-free as it is not derived from wheat, barley, or rye.

References

  1. Healthline Disodium Guanylate Uses Nutrition and Safety Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/disodium-guanylate ↩︎
  2. US Food and Drug Administration FDA CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Available at: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-172/subpart-F/section-172.530 ↩︎
  3. Health Canada List of Permitted Sequestering Agents Lists of Permitted Food Additives Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/food-additives/lists-permitted/12-sequestering-agents.html ↩︎
  4. EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed FEEDAP 2021 Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of disodium 5u2032u2010guanylate produced by fermentation with Corynebacterium stationis KCCM 10530 and Escherichia coli Ku201012 KFCC 11067 for all animal species EFSA Journal 19(6) p. e06735 Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6619 ↩︎
  5. World Health Organization WHO Disodium 5'-guanylate Available at: https://apps.who.int/food-additives-contaminants-jecfa-database/Home/Chemical/822 ↩︎
  6. EWGs Food Scores Ingredient Disodium Guanylate Available at: https://www.ewg.org/foodscores/ingredients/7493-DisodiumGuanylate/ ↩︎
  7. Casa de Sante Is Disodium Guanylate Gluten Free Available at: https://casadesante.com/blogs/gut-health/is-disodium-guanylate-gluten-free ↩︎
  8. Healthline Disodium Guanylate Uses Nutrition and Safety Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/disodium-guanylate ↩︎
  9. FoodWrite Disodium Guanylate E627 Overview Manufacture Uses Safety and Regulatory Considerations Available at: https://foodwrite.co.uk/disodium-guanylate-e627-overview-manufacture-uses-safety-and-regulatory-considerations/ ↩︎
  10. Kidney Foodie Gout and Chronic Kidney Disease- Impact of MSG Available at: https://kidneyfoodie.com/gout-and-chronic-kidney-disease-impact-of-msg/ ↩︎
  11. World Health Organization WHO Disodium 5'-guanylate and disodium 5'-inosinate Available at: https://inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v32je06.htm ↩︎

Recent Recalls

  • 07/24/2026Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Recalls Not Ready-To-Eat (NRTE) Bacon Product Imported without the Benefit of Import ReinspectionSee recall
  • 07/23/2026BCI Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Noodle Soup Product Imported without the Benefit of Import ReinspectionSee recall
  • 07/22/2026Fresh & Ready Foods LLC Recalls Spicy Breakfast Burrito due to Undeclared SoySee recall
  • 07/27/2026Fromagerie P. Jacquin & Fils brand Valençay AOP "fromage de chèvre au lait cru" recalled due to generic E. colSee recall
  • 07/24/2026Cadbury brand Dairy Milk Oreo Candy (bar) recalled due to undeclared pistachioSee recall
  • 07/23/2026Briine brand Pacific Tide Sparkling Spring Water recalled due to bulging cansSee recall

Similar Ingredients

Sodium Benzoate
CautionSodium Benzoate
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
CautionMonosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
CautionMonosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Sodium Nitrate
CautionSodium Nitrate
Sodium Benzoate
CautionSodium Benzoate
get life saving Recall Alerts for parents
Sign up for free recall alerts today.
Sign Up