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Disodium Inosinate Side Effects

Disodium inosinate is a food additive. Like MSG (monosodium glutamate), which it often contains, disodium inosinate is often used as a flavor enhancer in packaged food products and in fast food such as hamburgers and tacos. It has several potential side effects.

  1. Flushed Skin and Burning Sensations

    • Some diners report a flushed, burning sensation after consuming foods with disodium inosinate.

      Among the most frequent allergic reactions to flavor enhancers such as disodium inosinate and MSG are a sensation of burning to the skin, especially around the mouth area. This is accompanied by flushed or reddened skin areas. The facial areas are often affected by this sensation.

      According to MedLine Plus, these flavor-boosting food additives are "chemically similar to one of the brain's most important neurotransmitters, glutamate." This is considered a possible cause of flushing and other effects to the consumer's body.

    Numbness and Tightness

    • Numbness, tightness and pain in the upper body are reported side-effects of disodium inosinate.

      A lack of sensation, or numbness, is another reported side-effect of disodium inosinate consumption. Sufferers have reported numbness around the mouth area, and, in some cases, around the chest area and continuing down into the arm.

      Incidences of tightness or pain to the chest area have also been reported by consumers of flavor enhancing food additives. The Food Intolerance Network Factsheet has described this sensation as "suspected heart attack."

      Migraine headaches have also been documented by users of disodium inosinate and MSG.

    Sweating, Swelling and Other Side-Effects

    • Ask your doctor about the potential effects of disodium inosinate on your system.

      According to Russell Blaylock, author of the book "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills," disodium inosinate and other flavor-enhancing additives have a chemical effect on the consumer's brain cells. This over-stimulation is considered a probable cause of negative side-effects associated with disodium inosinate.

      These effects can also include profuse sweating and a sense of swelling, usually accompanied by gastric discomfort.

      While the U. S. Food and Drug Administration considers disodium inosinate, MSG and other flavor-enhancing additives to be GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), consumers may suffer allergic reactions to these substances.

      If you have concerns about potential reactions to disodium inosinate, consult your physician.

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