Side Effects of Eating MSG

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is used as a flavor enhancer in many foods. MSG is safe to eat, but may have short-term side effects for some people.

Foods

• MSG is used to flavor soups, canned vegetables, gravy, sauces, and processed meats, but is most commonly known for being added to Chinese food. In 1995 the Food And Drug Administration reaffirmed that MSG was safe when used in cooking at normal levels.

Unfounded Illnesses

• MSG has come under scrutiny in the past as causing severe illnesses. MSG illness is sometimes referred to as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. Some of the illnesses that it was accused of causing were cancer and Alzheimer's according to the Mayo Clinic.

Safe To Eat

• In 1995 the Food and Drug Administration could find no evidence that MSG was a health hazard to most people, and they found that it did not cause any serious long term illnesses. However, the FDA did list several short-term side effects that may occur to some people.

Short Term Side Effects

• The list of common side effects that may effect some people when eating food that has MSG are headaches, flushing, sweating, facial pressure, numbness in the mouth, rapid heart beat, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and weakness.

Solution

• The FDA does require MSG to be listed on food labels and restaurants where it is used.