How does your body react to MSG? (2024)

FAQs

What does MSG do to the human body? ›

In many countries MSG goes by the name “China salt”. Beside its flavour enhancing effects, MSG has been associated with various forms of toxicity (Figure 1(Fig. 1)). MSG has been linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, neurotoxic effects and detrimental effects on the reproductive organs.

An excessive consumption of MSG can cause a "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" and gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. Therefore, the maximum dose of MSG should be reconsidered taking into account its influence on the secretory capacity of the stomach.

Flushing. Sweating. Face pressure or tightness. Lack of feeling (numbness), tingling or burning in the face, neck and other areas.

Drinking several glasses of water may help flush the MSG out of your system and shorten the duration of your symptoms.

While MSG is present in some of our menu offerings as a flavor enhancer, we also offer a variety of options that do not contain added MSG. To help our customers make informed decisions, we provide ingredient statements on the Chick-fil-A app or on your local restaurant's menu page.

There's no evidence that MSG is the big, bad food additive it's been labeled. In moderation, it can make your meal more delicious without the added sodium. If you are concerned about MSG, talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian.

Here's the good news: MSG contains two-thirds less the amount of sodium compared to table salt, so if you're looking to lower your sodium intake, reaching for MSG to flavor your food can help you eat less sodium.

MSG – Asian foods, particularly those using soy sauce, often contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can trigger inflammation. It's also common in some fast foods, canned soups and salad dressings.

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been identified as a trigger of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the mechanism is unknown.

The European Union classifies it as a food additive permitted in certain foods and subject to quantitative limits. MSG has the HS code 29224220 and the E number E621.

Why do I feel bad after eating MSG? ›

According to Health Canada and other organizations worldwide like World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives, MSG is not a health hazard. Some people have reported a sensitivity to MSG. It is the glutamate part of MSG that can produce symptoms such as: Tingling and/or burning sensation.

The phenomenon of MSG allergy

The majority of these reports involved mild symptoms, such as tingling skin, headache, and a burning sensation in the chest. Larger doses of MSG have also been found to cause similar symptoms. But almost all dishes and foods do not use such large quantities.

MSG boosts the flavor of foods by stimulating taste receptors and has been shown in research studies to increase the acceptance of particular flavors. Adding MSG to foods results in an umami taste, which is characterized as savory and meaty ( 4 ). This popular additive has been deemed GRAS by the FDA.

Regular consumption of MSG, which is used to enhance the taste of many snacks, processed foods, and pre-cooked ready meals, has been linked to fatigue, headaches, depression, and anxiety. Some food dyes used in drinks, candies, cheese, and other processed foods have also been associated with anxiety symptoms.

There is no specific treatment for MSG symptom complex, although over-the-counter medications can be used to treat individual symptoms during an episode. For example, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Excedrin (aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine) may ease a headache.

MSG – Asian foods, particularly those using soy sauce, often contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can trigger inflammation. It's also common in some fast foods, canned soups and salad dressings.

A sensitive individual may suffer from headache, giddiness, sweating, abdominal pain, and urticaria within a few hours of consumption of MSG. Angioedema may be delayed up to 8–16 h after the consumption of MSG and it may persist for 24 h.