How is MSG the same as meat tenderizer?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is not the same as meat tenderizer. MSG is a flavor enhancer, while meat tenderizer is a substance used to break down the proteins in meat, making it more tender. MSG is a white crystalline powder that is made from glutamic acid, an amino acid that is found naturally in many foods, including meat. Meat tenderizer is typically made from papain or bromelain, enzymes that are found in papaya and pineapple, respectively.