MSG Actually Bad for You?

What the FDA Says

The FDA has deemed MSG to be generally safe. They note that the glutamate in MSG is chemically the same as glutamate from food proteins, and the body processes it in the same way. Even so, MSG use is hotly debated, leading the FDA to require it to be listed as an ingredient on food labels.

Understanding the Controversy

MSG got a bad reputation in the 1960s when Dr. Robert Ho Man Kwok, a Chinese-American doctor, wrote a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine after eating Chinese food and getting sick. In this letter, he wrote that he believed MSG, sodium, or alcohol caused his symptoms. This led to a long-term misinformation campaign that lasted many decades.

What Current Evidence Claims

MSG has been negatively linked to effects on energy intake, brain health, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Some people may also be sensitive to MSG. Here is what the research has to say about MSG’s adverse effects.

Effect on Energy Intake

MSG has been linked to disrupted energy intake balance. One study revealed that this effect was related to disturbances in the leptin-mediated hypothalamus signaling cascade. Leptin is responsible for signaling to the body that you are full. When there is a leptin disturbance, you may increase your caloric intake.

Effect on Brain Health

Some people are sensitive to MSG and will experience MSG symptom complex (MSC) after consuming MSG-containing foods. The symptoms of MSC are similar to those described in Dr. Kwok’s letter to the New England Journal of Medicine. They may include weakness, dizziness, flushing, headache, and difficulty breathing.

Possible Adverse Reactions

According to the FDA, if you are sensitive to MSG, you need to consume 3 or more grams of MSG to have short-term and mild symptoms from MSC. That amount is unlikely since most food MSG-enriched foods contain less than 0.5 mg of MSG per serving.

Who Is at Risk of an Adverse Reaction?

About 1% of the general population has had MSC. While a severe allergic reaction is possible, it is rare.

Are You Sensitive to MSG, or Is It Something Else?

MSC symptoms may also be related to other ingredients found in MSG-containing foods, such as the high salt content. Highly processed or fried foods may also cause similar effects.

When to Consider Limiting MSG Foods

While MSG isn’t as toxic as previously thought, you might consider avoiding it for various reasons. For instance, MSG tends to be found in highly processed convenience foods. These foods also contain high amounts of fat, sodium, and other refined ingredients that are not good for your health.

Common Foods With MSG

Glutamate is naturally present in many different foods, including high-protein foods. MSG is added to some foods during processing. Common foods that naturally contain glutamate include meats and seafood, cheese, and vegetables. Foods that often have added MSG include processed meats, sauces and dressings, premade and packaged foods, and fast foods.

Summary

MSG is made of water, sodium, and glutamate. It is also naturally found in some foods, including tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and mushrooms. MSG is also a flavor enhancer added to various foods, including canned foods, deli meats, and restaurant foods. It gives food a savory and rich flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MSG is a flavor enhancer that has been used for over a century. While it has gotten a bad reputation, the FDA has deemed it to be generally safe. Some people may be sensitive to MSG, but this is rare. It is also important to consider the other ingredients in foods that contain MSG, as they may also have adverse effects on health.

FAQs

Q: Is MSG toxic?
A: No, MSG is not toxic. The FDA has deemed it to be generally safe.

Q: Who is at risk of an adverse reaction to MSG?
A: About 1% of the general population has had MSG symptom complex (MSC).

Q: What are the symptoms of MSC?
A: Symptoms of MSC may include weakness, dizziness, flushing, headache, and difficulty breathing.

Q: Is MSG found naturally in foods?
A: Yes, glutamate is naturally present in many different foods, including high-protein foods.

Q: What are some common foods that contain MSG?
A: Common foods that naturally contain glutamate include meats and seafood, cheese, and vegetables. Foods that often have added MSG include processed meats, sauces and dressings, premade and packaged foods, and fast foods.