Can Monosodium Glutamate Cause Seizures?

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, provides a savory flavor profile in a variety of common foods, including processed meats, canned soups and vegetables, Chinese food and spice mixes. Some people who eat MSG-containing foods report a variety of adverse health effects. However, seizures are not typically associated with MSG consumption.

Reported Symptoms

Food manufacturers have used MSG for decades, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers it a "generally safe" ingredient. Still, because of reported consumer reactions to MSG, the FDA requires all food companies to list its presence on ingredient labels whenever it's used. Symptoms of reported MSG reactions include skin flushing, chest pain, sweating, headaches, heart palpitations, unusual facial pressure or tightness, nausea, weakness and numbness or sensations of tingling or burning in neck and facial areas. In combination, these symptoms are sometimes referred to as MSG symptom complex.

No Consistent Links

It's quite possible that some people experience short-term side effects related to MSG consumption, MayoClinic.com notes. However, as of 2010, no scientific evidence supported a consistent link between MSG and the symptoms reported in MSG symptom complex, or any other symptoms. In some cases, people who report MSG reactions may actually have symptoms associated with the consumption of foods known to trigger allergic responses apart from their MSG content, including peanuts, shrimp and certain types of herbs and spices. Typically, reported MSG-related symptoms are mild and don't require medical intervention.

Chemical Aspects

MSG is made by combining the mineral sodium with the amino acid glutamate, also called glutamic acid. All humans naturally produce glutamic acid and use it in the construction of their internal proteins. Sodium enters the average diet from a variety of sources, including processed foods, table salt, drinking water, milk and certain vegetables. Your body uses the glutamic acid in MSG in the same way it uses its own supply of this amino acid, Addison Ault of Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa reports, and there is no chemical logic that points to problems associated with MSG-based glutamic acid. The sodium content of MSG is significantly lower than the sodium content of common table salt.

Considerations

Speak with your doctor if you feel you have an MSG sensitivity. He can help you determine whether such a sensitivity exists, and he can also direct you toward a specialist who can diagnose other potential allergy-related problems. If you have an identified MSG sensitivity, MayoClinic.com explains, the only way to avoid symptoms is to strictly avoid foods that contain this flavor additive. A registered nutritionist can help you identify problem foods and devise a eating plan the omits MSG sources.