Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is the sodium salt of the chemical glutamic acid. It is used to enhance the flavor of food. Monosodium glutamate is commonly found in commercially prepared seasonings, salad dressings and in prepared boxed meals like macaroni and cheese, hamburger skillet casseroles and rice mixes, as well as in Chinese food.
Common Side Effects
MSG is a common food additive found in many commercially prepared foodstuffs in the United States. It is considered to be "generally recognized as safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration despite numerous health concerns.
MSG causes a variety of side effects that can vary from individual to individual. The most common side effects of monosodium glutamate consumption include a burning sensation of the arms, face or chest; numbness that radiates from the neck to the arms; tingling or warmth in the face, arms or neck; pressure in the face; headaches; chest pains; nausea; heart palpitations; sleepiness; difficulty breathing; and general weakness. Breathing difficulties may be worse in asthmatic individuals.
The MSG Symptom Complex
Because symptoms rooting from MSG use are so common, the MSG symptom complex, which some may know as the "Chinese Food Syndrome," is a list of the most highly occurring symptoms brought on by the consumption of monosodium glutamate. Because Chinese food is an extremely common source of monosodium glutamate, it is common for those who indulge in too much shrimp lo mein or sweet-and-sour pork to experience these symptoms soon after consuming these foods.
The MSG symptom complex, which includes many of the common MSG side effects, also can cause headaches, palpitations, flushing, sweating, sour stomach, weakness, numbness around the mouth and chest pain.
Serious Side Effects
Especially in asthmatics, MSG can cause severe breathing difficulties. In some cases, breathing can become extremely labored and may require medical attention. A study by Johns Hopkins University suggests that monosodium glutamate can induce asthma in some individuals as well. Other studies show that MSG can cause damage to brain cells and the central nervous system. Some studies suggest it has direct correlations with Alzheimer's disease.
In rare instances, some individuals can be so sensitive to monosodium glutamate that they may have trouble speaking and could become temporarily paralyzed around the mouth. This should be noted as an MSG allergy, and those who suffer such a condition should be extremely careful not to consume MSG.
Excitotoxins
Monosodium glutamate belongs to a class of chemicals called excitotoxins. Excitotoxins are substances believed to cause brain damage and damage to the central nervous system.
Excitotoxins tend to affect the hypothalmus portion of the brain, which controls important bodily functions such as growth, sleep patterns, puberty and even appetite. Some studies suggest that MSG inhibits the normal function of the hypothalmus, which can cause long-term negative effects such as obesity, sleep disturbances and reproductive issues.
Do You Really Need MSG?
While many popular snack foods such as flavored chips, dips, crackers and even ramen noodles contain MSG, there are alternatives that may be safer for consumption without having to sacrifice taste or flavor. Be sure to check food labels to see if the product you wish to consume contains MSG. Popular snack foods like regular potato chips and Cheez-It crackers are MSG-free.
Since monosodium glutamate has been identified for its toxic effects, many Chinese restaurants now boast MSG-free products. If you enjoy Chinese food but aren't sure if your favorite restaurant adds MSG to its recipes, ask before ordering.
Tags: monosodium glutamate, around mouth, central nervous, central nervous system, Chinese food