MSG: What You Need To Know

What is MSG?

• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is used as a flavor enhancer in a variety of foods. Technically, it is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a natural occurring amino acid which is produced in small quantities by the human body. Glutamate is present in many living things. It is found naturally in our bodies and in protein-containing foods such as cheese, milk, meat, peas and mushrooms.

• Originally developed by the Japanese, MSG was first made by using a seaweed broth to obtain the flavor enhancing effect of MSG. Today, MSG is made by a fermenting process using starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses. It usually comes as a fine white crystal, very much like salt or sugar. It does not have a distinct taste of its own and how it adds flavors to other foods is not fully understood. Many researchers believe that MSG stimulates glutamate receptors in the tongue to increase meat like flavors.

Is MSG harmful to your Health?

• Over the years, consumers have complained that MSG has caused weight problems, migraine headaches, sleeping disorders, asthma, glaucoma, diabetes and some neurological disorders as well as other ailments. Some consumers and researchers and even some doctors are convinced that the additive, used mainly in the preparation of Chinese dishes, even causes cancer. But researchers are still unable to find conclusive evidence to support these claims. According to a report put out by the Federation Of American Societies For Experimental Biology (FASEB) in 1995, MSG is “safe”, with just a few limited exceptions.

• The FASEB report identifies two groups of people who may develop a condition the report refers to as "MSG symptom complex" (MSG sensitive). One group is those who may respond with temporary adverse reactions after consuming large doses (3 grams or more) of glutamate without food. Parmesan cheese, a food with one of the highest levels of naturally occurring glutamate, contains about 1.3 grams of free glutamate per 100 grams. To consume three grams of glutamate from this source, one would need to consume 50 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. The second is a group of people with severe, poorly controlled asthma. These people, in addition to being prone to MSG symptom complex, may suffer temporary worsening of asthmatic symptoms after consuming MSG. The MSG dosage that produced reactions in these people ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 grams.

• Injections of glutamate in laboratory animals have resulted in damage to Injections of glutamate in laboratory animals have resulted in damage to nerve cells in the brain. Consumption of glutamate in food, however, does not cause this condition. While people normally consume dietary glutamate in large amounts and the body can make and metabolise glutamate efficiently, the results of these animal studies conducted in the 1980s raised a significant question: Can MSG harm the nervous system?

• The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) believes that people who are concerned that they may be sensitive to MSG should consult their physicians for challenge tests to determine if MSG is the cause of their adverse reactions.

How do I know which foods contain MSG?

• Despite the report by FASEB that MSG is safe, many consumers remain skeptical. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration of America (FDA) has instructed that foods containing MSG be labeled as such. But anti MSG groups still contend that consumers have no way of knowing how much or how little processed glutamic acid (MSG) there is in any processed food. For example, some ingredients such as ‘flavourings’, include MSG but are simply listed as ‘natural flavourings’ or ‘artificial flavourings’, etc., under the ingredients label.

What other foods contain MSG?

• MSG enhances the natural flavours of meats, poultry, seafood and many vegetables. Hence, in restaurants- especially Chinese restaurants- these prepared meals may contain MSG. MSG can also be found in most processed soups, stews, meat based sauces, salad dressings, processed meats, frozen entrees, ice cream, frozen yogurt and snack foods. It is also used in low fat foods to make up for flavor lost when fat is reduced or eliminated.

What can I do?

• Because there is no regulation of the uses of MSG either locally or internationally, the onus is on consumers to regulate their own intake.

  • Ask restaurateur if MSG is used in the preparation of your meals
  • Read labels carefully
  • Observe your body’s reaction after consuming foods containing MSG
  • Check with your Doctor to find out if you are MSG sensitive.
  • Inform yourself about MSG (contact CAC for info)

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