MSG Foods Health Effects:
Glutamate is an amino acid that is present in foods that contain protein. It is abundantly found in protein-rich foods such as milk, meat, fish and several vegetables. Our bodies also produce glutamate and it plays an important role in metabolism and the functioning of the brain. MSG or monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamate and is made up of sodium, glutamate and water. It is used as a flavor enhancer and when added to foods, produces a taste effect similar to the glutamate that occurs in food naturally. MSG has been in use for several decades now and is believed to produce a taste that is independent of the basic tastes of salty, sweet, sour and bitter. MSG is made through a fermentation process using corn sugar or sugar beets and starch.
Glutamate in MSG or in natural food is treated in the same manner by the body. In some people, MSG intake has been known to cause many side effects such as increased heart rate, numbness, migraine headaches, dizziness and a tingling sensation. These effects are only caused by the artificially created glutamate. The use of MSG must be mentioned on the labels or list of ingredients of the food items in which it is present. Despite this, there are many products that claim to contain no MSG, but are actually misleading as other sources of glutamate may still be present. These include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed plant protein and autolyzed yeast extract or soya sauce. Natural foods that contain glutamate such as tomatoes, parmesan cheese and mushrooms do not require a mention of glutamate in their labels. Besides, these foods do not produce the side effects that artificially occurring glutamate does. Foods containing MSG are sausage, chicken, salad dressings, gravies and sauces which contain seasoning other than salt, salty wafers and chips, especially those with cheese powder, foods that are garnished with parmesan cheese, soups, fish extracts or sauces, soy sauce and all types of canned products such as tinned salmon or sardines or meats.
If one suffers from MSG side effects, it is very important to read the labels of all the foods that are consumed. The other variations and forms of MSG must also be identified and should be avoided as they tend to produce the same effects as MSG. The mention of MSG or other glutamates are most likely to done at the end of the list of ingredients. MSG, if used, must always be used moderately and the recommended quantity is not more than 5ml per kg of food. Packaged food stuffs already contain MSG and hence do not require additional quantities to be added.
