Health Hazards of Aji-No-Moto aka MSG

By Nandini Rao

The challenges associated with processed foods are continuously escalating. The overabundance of these items has resulted in a society facing difficulties with poor nutrition and overall health.

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), a flavor enhancer traditionally used in Chinese cuisine, is now present in a wide variety of foods, including potato chips and other commonplace foods. Understanding the potential drawbacks of MSG can be perplexing. Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid that the body utilises and requires. However, when glutamate undergoes synthetic manipulation and processing, a form is produced that does not exist in nature. 

Representational Image

As demonstrated in various fields, particularly hormone medications, attempts to replicate a natural product often yield less than desirable results. MSG has been classified as an excitotoxin due to its perceived ability to excessively stimulate cells, potentially leading to their demise. Many people associate symptoms such as headaches, flushing, reduced attention, and even diseases like fibromyalgia with MSG intake.

Research on MSG has yielded varying results, and conventional medicine lacks a comprehensive understanding of what many patients have already experienced. Studies have documented several effects related to MSG, including burning sensations in the mouth, head, and neck, weakness in the arms or legs, headaches, and upset stomach occurring approximately 15 minutes after MSG consumption. Further research also points to problems such as flushing, headaches, and hives or allergic-type reactions on the skin. 

However, other reports suggest that there is no substantial link between MSG and these symptoms, although this data appears to be inconclusive. In fact, a double-blind study, where both researchers and test subjects were unaware of who received a real test or a fake one, found that MSG exposure caused muscle tightness, fatigue, numbness or tingling, and flushing. Another study conducted on mice concluded that injections of MSG produced obesity, inactivity, and numerous other hormone fluctuations.

One crucial factor in MSG research is that some effects may occur rapidly, while others, potentially more detrimental, may accumulate over time with repeated exposure. For instance, an animal study found that MSG exposure over 3-6 months significantly increased the risk of retinal damage in the eyes. These changes were not immediately evident in the study, demonstrating that research involving 1-2 doses of MSG might overlook many potential long-term effects associated with its intake.

MSG can be found in various processed foods and snacks. Similar to high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils, consumers must develop the habit of checking for monosodium glutamate in ingredient lists. MSG does not naturally occur in whole foods, so concerns about it can be alleviated when consuming apples or bananas. Manufacturers are required to indicate the presence of MSG in their products on food labels. Unfortunately, MSG may be listed under different names, making it challenging to keep track of foods containing this additive. Other names for MSG include monopotassium glutamate and vegetable protein extract, as well as several other additives containing varying amounts of MSG.

Individual responses to MSG may vary, and some individuals may experience no issues at all. The uncertain and somewhat alarming aspect of this compound is that it can cause a variety of symptoms over time, potentially leading to more significant and lasting problems. It could also be argued that small amounts of MSG in any single food item may not pose a problem. However, if small amounts are present in several common foods consumed daily, the issue escalates to a much graver scale.