Collected Reports of Adverse Reactions to MSG (Monosodium glutamate)
Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008
by Dr. Suzanne Skinner
August, 1993
Ingestion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) is known to produce a variety of adverse reactions in certain people. These reactions, although seemingly dissimilar, are no more diverse than the reactions found as side effects of certain neurological drugs. We do not know why some people experience reactions and others do not. We do not know whether MSG "causes" the condition underlying the reaction, or whether the underlying condition is simply aggravated by the ingestion of MSG. We only know that the following are sometimes caused or exacerbated by ingestion of (MSG). We also know that manufactured sodium glutamate in all of its other forms (hydrolyzed protein, sodium casseinate, autolyzed yeast, etc., including the sodium glutamate produced when a protease enzyme or other reactive agent is allowed to interact with protein during product manufacture) can bring on these same adverse reactions in MSG sensitive persons.
Arrhythmia's
Extreme drop in blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
Angina
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Stomach cramps
Irritable bowel
Bloating
Circulatory
Swelling
Muscular
Flu-like achiness
Joint pain
Stiffness
Respiratory
Asthma, Shortness of breath
Chest pain, Tightness
Runny nose, Sneezing
Neurological
Depression
Dizziness, Light-headedness
Loss of balance
Disorientation, Mental confusion
Anxiety, Panic attacks
Skin
Hives or rash
Mouth lesions
Temporary tightness or partial
paralysis (numbness or
tingling) of the skin
Flushing
Extreme dryness of the mouth
Hyperactivity, Behavioral problems in children
Lethargy, Sleepiness, Insomnia
Migraine headache
Numbness or paralysis
Slurred speech
Urological
Swelling of prostate
Nocturia
Visual
Blurred vision
Difficulty focusing
TABLE 2
HIDDEN SOURCES OF MSG
The following are food label descriptors that are always or often associated with the presence of MSG
in food products.
These ALWAYS contain MSG:
Monosodium glutamate
Hydrolyzed protein
Sodium casseinate
Yeast extract
Yeast nutrient
Maltodextrin
Autolyzed yeast
Textured protein
Calcium casseinate
Yeast food
Hydrolyzed oat flour
These OFTEN contain MSG:
Malt extract
Malt flavoring
Bouillon
Barley malt
Broth
Stock
Flavoring(s)
Natural favoring(s)
Natural beef flavoring
Natural chicken flavoring
Natural pork flavoring
Seasonings (the word "seasonings")
These CREATE MSG:
Protease enzymes
Protease
Fungal protease
We have reasons to QUESTION these:
Whey protein
Torula yeast
Carrageenan
Smoke flavoring
Soy protein isolate
Soy protein concentrate
Whey protein concentrate
Vegetable gum
Enzymes
Corn syrup
Pectin
Hidden MSG is not Iimited to use in food. MSG sensitive people have reported reactions caused by soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics that contain hidden sources of MSG. The most obvious are those that contain "hydrolyzed protein'' or simply "amino acids.''
Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are also potential sources of hidden MSG. Also, aspartame (NutraSweet) ordinarily causes MSG type reactions in MSG sensitive people.
Finally, please realize that binders for medications, and nutrients and supplements, both prescripion and non-prescription, including enteral feeding materials and materials administered through IVs in hospitals, may contain MSG.
Reactions, to MSG are dose related, i.e., some people react to even very small amounts of MSG while others usually only react to relatively more. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after contact or after as much as 48 hours.
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