MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG) CONTROVERSY.

 

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a form of salt used as a flavour enhancer or food additive. It has an umami taste which gives a meaty, savoury of food. It can be naturally found in tomatoes and cheeses and can also be synthesized through fermentation of starch, sugar cane and sugar. 

MSG is commonly found and used in seasoning cubes, stock cubes, frozen entrees, crackers, canned tuna, soups, processed meats, cosmetics, dietary supplements, infant formula, salad dressings, vaccines, and in many other food products.

MSG also aid patients with loss of appetite to regain their appetite. 

There are several controversies on MSG as United Food Drug Administration proved MSG to be ''generally recognized as safe'' and it should be list on the ingredients of food.

European Union classifies MSG as a food additive with the E-number E621. Several reports have been made on the consumption of food containing MSG that causes some complex symptoms such as headache-migraine, obesity, asthma, and rhinitis has received attention from researchers. However, no confirmation has been made that MSG caused those reported effects. 

MSG was reported firstly in 1968 named "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" which was after the consumption of Chinese dishes in a restaurant. People started feeling some symptoms such as numbness, general weakness, and headache. Research conducted on such occurrence gave inconsistency results. In 1995, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) published a report of analysis on the safety of MSG and symptoms like chest pain, nausea, palpitation were said to constitutes the syndrome. The more inclusive term 'Monosodium glutamate symptom complex' was also generated. Several studies that relates MSG to all those symptoms made as evidence for the connection between MSG and migraine headaches were inconsistent.

The report that MSG provoked an asthma attack is inconclusive. The research has shown that if it is limited in food, there will be no effects on asthma patients. But, if taken raw, it can trigger asthma. So strong evidence that 'MSG is not safe for some individuals with asthma' is lacking. 

Another research between MSG intake and obesity in human is carried out and it is found to be correlated with increased body mass index (BMI). MSG users had reportedly to increase weight compared to non-users, which has a finding independent of physical activity and total energy intake. And another study indicated that MSG intake was not related to weight gain for five (5) years.

In conclusion, MSG as a flavour enhancer gives food a pleasant taste and aid patients to regain appetite. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declares it safe for limited usage. Some evidence suggested that large doses of MSG greater than >3g ingested on an empty stomach without food ingestion may cause some symptoms of the 'Monosodium glutamate symptom complex'. It would be inappropriate to conclude that MSG consumed caused those symptoms as there is no strong evidence for it.

Thanks for reading!

Article by: 

Abdulhameed Faizah

Food, Nutrients & Health

......................................................