MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavour enhancer. It is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, that sounds worse than it is. Sodium salt is just salt and glutamic acid is one of the 20 standard amino acids that all organisms use in their proteins. That sounds better. Its chemical composition is C5H8NO4Na and it looks like salt, or sugar.
In 1959 the FDA classified MSG as safe for consumption, although in 1991 the daily acceptable intake of MSG was listed as not specified. The potential concern comes into play when we consider what glutamic acid does for the body. In the 1980’s scientists discovered that glutamate plays in important role in the functioning of the nervous system, of course concerns were risen about MSG, could it have a negative impact on our nervous systems, could we have too much glutamate?
There have been reports of allergies, and sensitivities to MSG caused by the glutamic acid, symptoms include: migraines, nausea, digestive upsets, drowsiness, heart palpitations, asthma, and even anaphylactic shock. On July 31st 1995 a report was submitted to the FDA in regards to MSG symptom complex, the symptoms of this include: a burning sensation in the back of the neck, forearms and chest; numbness in the back of the neck, radiating to the arms and back tingling; warmth and weakness in the face, temples, upper back, neck and arms; facial pressure or tightness; chest pain; headache; nausea; rapid heartbeat; weak pulse; violent dreams; bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) in MSG-intolerant people with asthma; drowsiness; and weakness. Someone who suffers from MSG symptom complex will experience one or more of these symptoms within one hour of eating 3 grams or more of MSG on an empty stomach.
There is no evidence to support the claim that MSG cause brain lesions or damage to nerve cells in the human body.
Keep in mind that MSG is salt, a lot of salt is bad for everyone, a lot of any one thing is typically bad in some way; however, it does not seem to be the case the MSG is a significantly harmful product. Some will tell you otherwise however, you be the judge.
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/
