Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a flavor enhancer frequently added to Chinese food, canned products, processed meats and snacks. MSG has been associated with headaches and other symptoms, but it’s probably not the primary cause of common morning aches. If you think you’re sensitive to MSG, talk to your physician because in rare cases the response can be severe.
Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium glutamate is a mixture of salt and glutamic acid that intensifies other flavors. It also contributes its own unique “meaty” flavor called umami. The glutamate in MSG is a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid that’s one of the most common neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It has an important role in memory and functions by exciting neurons, including those that stimulate pain. Study results published in the October 2006 issue of “Pain” reported that simply injecting glutamate evoked pain.
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
Chinese restaurant syndrome, also known as MSG symptom complex, was first noticed in 1968 when people experienced headaches, sweating, flushing, numbness around the mouth, and sometimes a rapid heart rate or chest pain after eating Chinese food. Even though studies have not made a connection between MSG and the symptoms, it's commonly used in Chinese restaurants so it was implicated as the cause. MSG is generally considered safe, but some people may be more sensitive to it. Symptoms such as headache or flushing usually don't need special treatment, but if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling of the throat, seek medical help immediately.
Morning Aches
The most common morning aches are headaches or stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulders, backs and hips. These aches often result from an aging or overworked musculoskeletal system, a saggy mattress, or from pillows that are too flat or too thick. Morning aches may also be caused by illnesses such as arthritis or inflammation of the spine. It’s not likely that MSG has anything to do with these types of morning aches, unless you snacked on leftover Chinese food in the middle of the night, because MSG symptoms usually occur within two hours of eating.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic medical condition that causes pain in muscles, fatigue and tender points on the body that hurt when they’re touched. For those who have fibromyalgia, the aches and pain are often worse in the morning. MSG does not cause fibromyalgia, but it works together with other neurotransmitters to elicit pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding foods with MSG as one possible way to reduce symptoms related to fibromyalgia.
References
- Cornell College: The Monosodium Glutamate Story -- The Commercial Production of MSG and Other Amino Acids
- Pain: Effects of Subcutaneous Administration of Glutamate on Pain, Sensitization and Vasomotor Responses in Healthy Men and Women
- Shippensburg University: Neurotransmitters
- University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service: Some Facts About Monosodium Glutamate
- PubMed Health: Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
