Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is a flavor enhancer that is made by fermenting a substance such as corn, molasses, sugar cane, sugar beets or starch, according to Health Services at Columbia University. MSG is commonly added to canned soups, canned vegetables, Chinese food and processed meats, but it poses some safety concerns.
Concerns
Research and criticism of MSG became prevalent in the late 1960s, when people began reporting to the FDA that they experienced negative reactions after consuming it. The physical symptoms they mentioned eventually became known as the MSG symptom complex. The major symptoms associated with MSG consumption include headache, sweating, nausea, rapid pulse, chest pain, sweating, breathing troubles, facial tightness and flushed skin, according to MayoClinic.com. You may be at increased risk of developing the MSG symptom complex if you have consumed more than 3 g of MSG on an empty stomach, if you have severe asthma or if you have poorly controlled asthma.
Research and Regulations
As of 2011, no definitive link has been found between MSG and the MSG symptom complex. Researchers have acknowledged that a small number of people may develop short-term symptoms after consuming MSG. However, most research typically finds that these symptoms are mild and that they tend to resolve on their own. As a result, the FDA has placed MSG on its "generally recognized as safe" food ingredient list and recommends that sensitive consumers should simply take steps to read food labels and avoid eating products that contain MSG.
Other Sources
If you are sensitive to MSG, you may also be sensitive to other free glutamates, which form when proteins break down, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Examples of other free glutamates that may cause sensitivity reactions are yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed protein and calcium and sodium caseinate. Look for these ingredients on food labels. Some foods naturally contain free glutamates that you will not find on a list of ingredients. These food sources include mushrooms, peas, potatoes, grape juice, grapes, tomatoes, tomato juice and cheeses such as Rocquefort and Parmesan.
Emergency Treatment
Although MSG sensitivity symptoms generally require no treatment, be ready to act quickly if you experience more serious symptoms. Throat swelling, heart palpitations, chest pain, swelling of the lips and swelling of the throat are symptoms of a severe allergic reaction and call for emergency treatment, according to MedlinePlus. If you have ever experienced a life-threatening reaction to MSG or any other ingredient, you will need to talk to a physician about what precautions you should take to avoid that ingredient at all costs. Sometimes this involves carrying around prescription medication and an epinephrine injection device.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Is it Harmful?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
- Health Services at Columbia University: MSG: Troublesome Food Additive or Fantastic Flavor Enhancer?; August, 2002
- Health Services at Columbia University: MSG Intolerance: What Foods to Avoid?; October, 2009
- U.S.D.A.: Food Safety: Natural Flavorings on Meat and Poultry Labels
- MedlinePlus: Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
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