Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely recognized as a flavor enhancer, commonly used in various food products ranging from restaurant dishes to everyday groceries like canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats. Classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food ingredient that is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), MSG remains a subject of ongoing discussion and debate regarding its potential health impacts. Due to these discussions, the FDA mandates that MSG be clearly listed on food labels when it is added as an ingredient.
Alt text: Steaming bowl of soup, a common food item that may contain MSG as a flavor enhancer.
Over the years, the FDA has received numerous anecdotal reports detailing adverse reactions attributed to MSG-containing foods. These reactions, collectively termed the MSG symptom complex, encompass a range of symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Skin flushing
- Excessive sweating
- Facial pressure or tightness
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the face, neck, and other body areas
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Chest discomfort
- Nausea
- General weakness
Alt text: Individual experiencing a headache, one of the reported symptoms associated with MSG consumption.
Despite these reported symptoms, extensive scientific research has not established a definitive causal link between MSG consumption and these adverse reactions. While researchers acknowledge that a small subset of individuals may experience short-term, mild reactions to MSG, these symptoms are typically transient and do not necessitate medical intervention. The most effective measure to avoid such reactions is to abstain from consuming foods that list MSG as an ingredient.
Alt text: Close-up of a food product label, highlighting the ingredients list where MSG would be identified if present.
References:
- Questions and answers on monosodium glutamate (MSG). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm328728.htm. Accessed March 25, 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Ophthalmic migraine (typical aura without migraine). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- Simon RA. Allergies and asthmatic medications to food additives. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Ferri F. Food and drug additive reactions. Clinical overview. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 25, 2022.
- Wahlstedt A, et al. MSG is A-OK: Exploring the xenophobic history of and best practices for consuming monosodium glutamate. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 25, 2022.
