Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions to MSG

Some People Exhibit Symptoms Upon Ingesting Monosodium Glutamate

Mar 14, 2009 Stella Walsh

There is debate and controversy over whether or not monosodium glutamate (MSG) is safe to eat. Some people report serious allergic symptoms when they ingest it.

Along with the controversy about whether or not MSG is safe to eat, there is also controversy about whether or not the reactions to it are an allergy or a sensitivity.

What is Monosodium Glutamate?

Monosodium glutamate is a white crystal substance that looks similar to sugar or salt, except that the crystals are a little longer in shape.

Glutamate is an amino acid. All plants and animals, including humans, make natural free glutamic acid. It becomes monosodium glutamate when it is processed or fermented. This process usually involves starch, beet sugar, cane sugar or molasses.

Where Can Monosodium Glutamate be Found?

Monosodium glutamate can be found in many products, including processed food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, personal care products and drugs. It can also be found in the waxes used to coat fresh fruits and vegetables.

MSG is commonly found in food products such as soups, processed meats, sauces, gravies, mixes and snack foods, as well as many others.

For people with a sensitivity to MSG, avoiding it can be difficult because of labeling practices. If the free glutamate present is less than 99%, then it is not obligatory for companies to mention any MSG that is present. It can be labeled as something else.

Some of the other names that always include MSG are:

• gelatin
• textured protein
• hydrolyzed protein
• yeast

MSG is also often present in:

• malt extracts and flavorings
• barley malt
• carrageenan
• whey protein
• flavors
• soy sauce
• soy protein
• fermented foods

NOTE: For a more complete listing see the Truth in Labeling Campaign website.

Caution should also be exercised when eating in restaurants that claim they do not add MSG to foods. Even if it is not added to the prepared food, it may be an additive in the commercial mixes that are used.

Reported Allergic Symptoms to Monosodium Glutamate

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed monosodium glutamate on the "generally recognized as safe" list (GRAS). However, many people have reported adverse or severe symptoms when they eat it.

Different people vary in the reactions they report. Some people react right away, while others may react a couple of days later. The amount of MSG needed to cause a reaction also varies from person to person. It depends on the individual’s level of sensitivity. The one thing that does appear to be consistent is that an individual will usually react the same way each time he ingests MSG.

Monosodium glutamate appears to excite and damage nerves. The symptoms reported include:

• hives
• migraines
• visual disturbances
• erratic behavior
• asthma
• anaphylaxis
• skin burning, itching, and flushing
• chest pressure and tightness
• tingling and numbness of face, neck, upper chest and arms
• dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• thirst
• sinusitis
• insomnia
• swelling
• abdominal discomfort
• pain and blocking of ears
• joint aches and pains

There is much controversy about whether or not monosodium glutamate is safe, and also whether or not the reactions to it are an allergy or a sensitivity. If an individual suspects that she is reacting to MSG, it is a good idea for her to seek medical advice.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.

For other articles related to allergies see Rare and Serious Exercise-induced Anaphylaxis, Tips for People Who Have an Insect Venom Allergy, and Cockroaches Produce Asthma-causing Allergens.

Sources:

Reed Gibson, Pamela. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Survival Guide. Oakland, California: New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 2000.

Cutler, Ellen. The Food Allergy Cure: A New Solution to Food Cravings, Obesity, Depression, Headaches, Arthritis, and Fatigue. New York, New York: Harmony Books, 2001.

Walsh, William. The Food Allergy Book. St. Paul, Minnesota: ACA Publication, Inc., 1995.

Hospital for Sick Children: The Complete Kid’s Allergy and Asthma Guide: The Parent’s Handbook for Children of All Ages. Ed. Dr. Milton Gold. Toronto, Canada: Robert Rose Inc., 2003.

Website: Truth in Labeling Campaign, updated March13, 2009. Visited March 11, 2009.

The copyright of the article Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions to MSG in Allergies is owned by Stella Walsh. Permission to republish Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions to MSG in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Monosodium Glutamate Crystals

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