Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is an additive that is often used to enhance the flavor of food. It can be found in processed meat, canned soup and vegetables and sometimes in Chinese food. MSG is classed by the FDA as "generally recognized as safe," but over the past ten years, a number of people have reported side effects including sweating, facial numbness, palpitations and nausea.
MSG
MSG is a sodium salt from glutamic acid. This is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the human body. It functions as a neurotransmitter causing nerve cells to fire. If you are trying to avoid MSG you should also avoid eating gelatin, hydrolyzed corn gluten, glutamate, monopotassium glutamate, textured protein, autolyzed yeast, sodium caseinate, yeast food, glutamic acid and natrium glutamate.
Sensitivity
According to Adrienne Samuels, Ph.D., author of "Monosodium Glutamate: Food For Thought but Not Eating," it is possible that more than 30 percent of the population suffers from sensitivity to MSG. There are many diverse symptoms that have been reported following a meal containing MSG, including chest pains, skin rash, bloating, fatigue, asthma, migraine, shortness of breath, tremors, flushing, hyperactivity, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.
Evidence
MSG is added to food products to increase the flavor. There are four commonly known tastes; sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltiness. MSG is often added to savory food to which it adds a fifth taste profile called umami. When MSG is added to food, the FDA requires it to be listed on the label. According to Dr. Katherine Zeratsky, despite the reports of symptoms associated with eating MSG, there is no scientific evidence to prove a link between the additive and the symptoms. If you notice symptoms after eating food containing MSG, you may wish to follow an MSG-free diet.
MSG-Free
If you want to replace MSG in your own cooking, you can enhance the flavor of food by adding ingredients that are naturally rich in glutamate such as lime juice, lemon juice, mushrooms, walnuts, parmesan cheese, peas, soy sauce, tomato juice, Roquefort cheese, grape juice, potatoes and broccoli.
References
- MayoClinic.com: What is MSG? Is it bad for you?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; 2011
- Food Facts: Controversial Ingredients; 2011
- MSG Facts: What Foods are Glutamate-Rich?
- " Monosodium Glutamate: Food For Thought but Not Eating." Adrienne Samuels; July 1995
