Monosodium Glutamate And Cancer

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavoring used in foods, including Chinese food, processed meats, soups and canned vegetables. It is a combination of sodium and the amino acid glutamate. Although MSG is "generally recognized as safe" by the Food and Drug Administration, there is a myth easily found on the Internet that MSG causes cancer.

Monosodium Glutamate and Cancer

The myth regarding monosodium glutamate and cancer states that consuming excessive amounts of MSG can overwhelm the receptors for glutamate in the body, and that this is what causes cancer and other adverse health effects blamed on MSG. However, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, glutamate from foods does not cause this type of reaction.

Side Effects

Although evidence for side effects due to MSG consumption is mainly anecdotal, a small number of people may be sensitive to MSG. Studies looking into "Chinese restaurant syndrome" have not found conclusive evidence that MSG is responsible for the symptoms associated with this condition. These include sweating, flushing, headache, nausea, numbness, tingling, facial pressure, weakness, heart palpitations and chest pain.

Safety

The safety of monosodium glutamate has been well studied. A number of health organizations have verified its safety, including the Food and Drug Administration, the National Academy of Sciences and the American Medical Association. However, if you experience adverse side effects after consuming MSG, you may want to avoid consuming this food additive.

Considerations

It can be difficult to avoid all sources of glutamate, according to a March 2008 article in "The New York Times." MSG is not the only source of glutamate, which may also be called autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed soy protein, whey protein concentrate, liquid aminos and yeast extracts. Many sauces and seasonings popular around the world contain MSG, including Japanese mayonnaise, Maggi, Accent, dynamite sauce and Goya Sazon. If chicken broth or vegetable broth is listed on the ingredients of a product, it may also contain glutamate.