Collected Reports of Adverse Reactions to MSG (Monosodium glutamate)



Posted: Saturday, May 03, 2008

by

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.

Cardiac

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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