What Exactly is MSG and Why Should I Avoid It?
by Brian St. Pierre, CSCS, CISSN
MSG stands for monosodium glutamate and it is used to enhance the flavor of food. MSG adds the savory flavor known as umami and can make even the blandest and cheapest foods taste good.
While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence linking MSG intake with many problems, these symptoms are rather common and unspecific. They include: burning sensations, numbness, tingling, facial pressure or tightness, chest pain, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, bronchospasm in asthmatics, drowsiness and weakness.
Unfortunately well controlled studies have not found these side effects, even in people who claim to be sensitive to MSG. These studies were placebo-controlled and double-blinded, meaning it was gold-standard research.
In one of these studies 71 participants were given 5 grams of MSG or placebo and then given a standard breakfast. Only one person had a reaction, and it was someone who thought they were sensitive to MSG – unfortunately they got the placebo. Other well-controlled studies have had similar results.
