Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the Taste that Becomes Toxic

Monosodium Glutamate, commonly known as MSG, is a widely used food additive to enhance the taste of food. The Ajinomoto Company of Japan is the largest producer of MSG and Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein which also contains Monosodium Glutamate.

After World War II, American food companies started adding it to processed foods and even baby foods  People first became aware of MSG's toxicity in 1957 when two ophthalmologists, Lucas and Newhouse, found that it destroyed the nerve cells in the inner layers of the retina of infant mice. One decade later, neuroscientist and researcher Dr. John Olney (1) found that it was not only toxic to the retina but also to the brain of the mice. Dr. Olney and others testified before the US congress regarding the dangers of this additive.In the following years, scientific research has confirmed that Monosodium Glutamate has a toxic effect on the brains of various animals such as monkeys, pigs, rabbits, etc.

Recent increases in neurological diseases have been attributed to the consumption of MSG. It has been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases (2) such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Research links MSG to migraine headaches, seizures, asthma, ADD, ADHD, and heart irregularities to name a few.Scientists suggest that Monosodium Glutamate is the main culprit to the obesity epidemic due to the brain damage that it causes. There is growing evidence that it is also a major cause for the diabetes epidemic, and the high incidence of autism.

In a 2008 study, researchers Ka He (3) and colleagues at the Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Monosodium Glutamate intake causes weight gain.

It has been found to cause irritable bowel syndrome, stomach upsets, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea.

This taste enhancing additive was widely used in the Chinese food in the USA. In 1968, many reactions to Chinese food led to the creation of the term "Chinese food syndrome" which is a collection of symptoms that some people experience after eating Chinese food.

Since the name MSG is linked with so many health problems, it is now disguised under various forms such as Ajinomoto, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, vegetable protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed oat flour, etc. Other additives that contain MSG are: Beef and Chicken flavoring, stock, Flavoring, Malt flavoring, and seasoning among others.Wishing you Health, Wealth, Love and Happiness,