Sodium Nitrite vs. MSG

Sodium nitrites and monosodium glutamate, or MSG, are both used as flavor enhancers or food preservatives, but each can be dangerous to your health in large quantities. Because of the potential for toxicity, the federal government regulates how much sodium nitrite is allowed in your food, and the Food and Drug Administration requires that MSG be included in the ingredient list of any food that contains it. Once you know more about the uses and dangers of these substances, you can determine whether either one deserves a place in your diet.

Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrite is used to preserve meat and to add the pink color desired by many consumers. The sodium nitrite added to many foods, most often meat, also inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, such as botulism. Certain nitrites are found in the environment, such as in the soil, and can be present in foods that grow, such as fruits and vegetables. Sodium nitrites are present in the largest amounts in processed meats like ham, sausage and hot dogs.

Considerations

One danger related to sodium nitrite is the formation of nitrosamines when it combines with the acid in your stomach during digestion. Nitrosamines might also be present in cured meat, though federal regulations require manufacturers to also add ascorbic acid to neutralize them. Nitrosamines are considered human carcinogens, which can cause cancer. According to Ruth Winter, author of "A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives," large amounts of sodium nitrite have caused cancer in lab animals. This suggests that too much sodium nitrite might also increase human risk for developing certain types of cancer, such as stomach or pancreatic cancer.

MSG

MSG is a flavor-enhancing ingredient most commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soup and processed meat, such as hot dogs and deli ham. MSG is added to food to enhance the natural flavors already present, but does not provide a flavor of its own. While the consumption of MSG is considered safe, it is a controversial food additive because small numbers of people claim that it causes negative reactions and side effects, MayoClinic.com notes.

Considerations

According to MedlinePlus, no research has discovered a definitive link between MSG and negative symptoms, though it might be possible that you are sensitive to MSG. Symptoms reported after MSG consumption include headache, flushing, sweating, facial discomfort, numbness, fluttering heart rate, chest pain and nausea. These symptoms are usually temporary and do not require medical attention, MayoClinic.com notes. If you believe your reaction is because of MSG, read ingredient labels carefully so you do not consume any of it. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.