You must be familiar with the use of MSG in foods. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a common savory flavoring agent. Despite its benefits for enriching the flavor of food, many people avoid it due to concerns about its negative health effects.

What is MSG?

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a food additive in the form of salt-like white crystalline granules that give food a savory taste, known as umami taste. This umami flavor is similar to the naturally occurring glutamate found in meat, milk, fish, or tomatoes.

The use of MSG as a food ingredient has been known for centuries and is most commonly found in Chinese food, canned food, and canned vegetables and soups.

Is MSG harmful?

MSG has been a staple in many dishes and processed foods for centuries. It wasn't until the 1960s that MSG was considered unhealthy, following a report from Robert Ho Wan Kwok, a Chinese American doctor, who stated that he had many complaints after eating Chinese food. Robert's complaints became known as Chinese restaurant syndrome, or MSG symptoms complex.

Since then, MSG has gained a negative reputation among the public. However, expert research indicates that MSG is a safe food additive when used in moderation.

People who are sensitive to MSG may experience the following reactions:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Numbness
• Flushing (sensation of warmth and redness in the skin)
• Tingling
• Palpitations
• Sleepiness

In addition to the symptoms listed above, the use of MSG is said to cause other dangers, such as:

Effects on energy intake

MSG improves the flavor of food. However, in the body, MSG can disrupt the signaling effects of the hormone leptin in the brain. Leptin is in charge of telling you when you've eaten enough or are full. MSG consumption can cause you to really enjoy your food, which leads to overeating.

Other studies have shown conflicting results, where consuming protein with MSG causes you to consume fewer calories at your next meal and reduce your energy intake. Therefore, more research is needed on the relationship between MSG and energy intake.

Risk of obesity and metabolic disorders

MSG is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders. This was concluded based on animal studies linking the additive to insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, and diabetes. However, this still requires further research in humans.

Effects on brain health

Glutamate in MSG acts as a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that stimulates nerve cells to send signals to the brain. According to some studies, MSG may cause brain toxicity by increasing glutamate levels in the brain, which overstimulates nerve cells and causes cell death.

However, research indicates that once ingested, MSG is fully metabolized in the intestines. From there, it is used as an energy source, converted into other amino acids, or used to make a variety of bioactive compounds. Overall, there is no compelling evidence that MSG affects brain chemistry when consumed in normal amounts.

Tips for safe MSG consumption

Regulatory agencies such as the FDA consider MSG in reasonable amounts to be safe. However, it is important to keep an eye on your body's reaction and limit consumption as needed.

• Limit MSG consumption to the daily recommendation of less than 6 grams/day for adults.
• If you are sensitive to MSG, pay attention and avoid foods that contain MSG.
• If you experience a reaction as a result of MSG consumption, you should temporarily discontinue it and seek medical attention.

If you have questions about MSG consumption, you can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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