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Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer widely used in the preparation of certain ethnic foods, as well as in canned, frozen, and prepared foods. While the FDA considers MSG safe for consumption, there is ongoing controversy regarding the lack of oversight in the introduction and use of additives by the food industry. Some people experience adverse reactions to MSG, including headaches, skin flushing, and sweating. There is also some evidence to suggest that MSG can cause muscle tenderness and sensitivity, particularly in the pericranial muscles. However, it is important to note that the link between MSG and these symptoms has not been definitively proven, and more research is needed to establish a clear connection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Tightness | A study found that there was no muscle pain or robust changes in mechanical sensitivity detected after consuming MSG. However, there was an increase in reports of pericranial muscle tenderness. |
| Muscle Glutamate Concentration | A study found that ingestion of MSG caused a significant increase in interstitial glutamate concentration in the masseter muscle in myofascial TMD patients, which increased the intensity of spontaneous pain. |
| Muscle Pain Sensitivity | A study found that muscle pain sensitivity after glutamate injection is not modified by systemic administration of monosodium glutamate. |
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What You'll Learn
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers MSG safe, and most people can eat foods containing MSG without experiencing any problems, a small percentage of people have short-term, adverse reactions to this food additive. These reactions are often referred to as MSG symptom complex, and symptoms can include headache, skin flushing, and sweating. While some people associate these symptoms with MSG, there is minimal scientific evidence showing a direct link between the two in humans.
Some studies have found that the repeated intake of MSG can lead to an increase in reports of headache and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 14 healthy men drank sugar-free soda that contained either MSG or a placebo. No muscle pain or robust changes in mechanical sensitivity were detected, but there was a significant increase in reports of headache and subjectively reported pericranial muscle tenderness after MSG. Systolic blood pressure was also elevated in the high MSG session compared to the low MSG and placebo sessions.
Another study found that intravenous administration of MSG in rats caused a two- to three-fold elevation in interstitial glutamate concentration, which was sufficient to induce mechanical sensitization of the masseter muscle afferent fibres through activation of peripheral NMDA receptors. However, it is important to note that the effects of MSG on muscle sensitivity in humans may differ from those observed in animal studies.
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MSG consumption may cause headaches
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a controversial food additive that is commonly used to enhance the flavour of many dishes, especially in Asian cuisine. It is made up mostly of free glutamic acid, or glutamate, an amino acid found naturally in most foods. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has labelled MSG as safe for consumption, some people have questioned its long-term health effects.
MSG consumption has been linked to a range of symptoms, including headaches, skin flushing, sweating, and migraine attacks. However, the evidence for MSG as a causative agent for headaches is debated. Various clinical trials have reported conflicting results, with some studies suggesting that MSG increases the incidence of headaches, while others show no significant connection.
It is important to note that the dosages of MSG exposure in these studies are often inconsistent, with many administering significantly higher doses than the average consumption. The average consumption of MSG in the United States is 0.55 grams per day, and most research suggests that consuming MSG in high doses (3 grams or more) may lead to negative effects such as headaches.
While there is insufficient evidence to confirm a direct link between MSG consumption and headaches, some individuals may still experience sensitivities or adverse reactions to this food additive. If you believe you are sensitive to MSG, it is recommended to avoid it. Symptoms of MSG sensitivity can occur within two hours of consumption and can last from a few hours to a couple of days.
Overall, while MSG consumption may be safe for most people, there are still questions and conflicting evidence regarding its potential to cause headaches and other negative health effects. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of MSG on human health.
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MSG can lead to pericranial muscle tenderness
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer widely used in the preparation of certain ethnic foods, as well as canned, frozen, and prepared foods like soups, sauces, broths, and dressings. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers MSG safe for consumption, there is ongoing controversy regarding the lack of oversight in the introduction and use of additives by the food industry.
MSG symptom complex refers to a group of symptoms some people experience after eating food containing MSG. These symptoms include headache, skin flushing, and sweating. While there is minimal scientific evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms in humans, countless testimonials support this theory.
A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study conducted by Baad-Hansen et al. in 2010 investigated the occurrence of adverse effects such as headache, pain, and mechanical sensitivity in pericranial muscles after oral administration of MSG. The study found no muscle pain or robust changes in mechanical sensitivity. However, there was a significant increase in reports of headaches and subjectively reported pericranial muscle tenderness after MSG consumption.
Another study by Shimada et al. in 2013 also found a link between repeated MSG intake and mechanical sensitization of human pericranial muscles. These findings suggest that while MSG may not directly cause muscle pain, it can lead to increased pericranial muscle tenderness and sensitivity, which can contribute to headaches and craniofacial pain.
It is important to note that individual sensitivity to MSG may vary, and some people may experience adverse reactions after consuming foods containing MSG. If you suspect you are sensitive to MSG, it is advisable to consult a doctor, who can evaluate your symptoms and dietary intake to determine if you have an MSG sensitivity.
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There is a lack of scientific evidence linking MSG to muscle tightness
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive (flavour enhancer) widely used in canned, frozen, and prepared foods, especially soups, sauces, broths, and dressings. MSG is also naturally found in most foods and is produced by fermenting molasses, starch, or sugar cane.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 14 healthy men drank sugar-free soda containing either MSG or a placebo. While there was a significant increase in reports of headaches and subjective pericranial muscle tenderness after MSG consumption, no muscle pain or robust changes in mechanical sensitivity were detected.
Another study by L Baad-Hansen et al. in 2010 also found no muscle pain or robust changes in mechanical sensitivity. However, they did find a significant increase in reports of headaches and pericranial muscle tenderness.
While these studies suggest a possible link between MSG and pericranial muscle tenderness, they do not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that MSG causes muscle tightness. It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers MSG safe, and most people can consume foods containing MSG without experiencing any problems. However, a small percentage of people may have short-term adverse reactions to this food additive.
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Severe symptoms after consuming MSG require immediate medical attention
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer added to processed foods, Asian cuisine, and some fast-food meals. While it is considered safe by the FDA, some people may experience negative side effects, such as headaches, flushing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are often referred to as "MSG symptom complex" and usually resolve on their own. However, in rare cases, people may experience severe, life-threatening symptoms similar to those of an allergic reaction.
If you experience severe symptoms after consuming MSG, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Severe symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, and drowsiness. These symptoms can be life-threatening and require prompt medical intervention.
While the link between MSG and these severe symptoms has not been conclusively proven, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you experience any of these severe symptoms after consuming MSG, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical care. Go to the emergency room or call for emergency services right away.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform the necessary tests to determine the cause. They may check your heart rate and perform an electrocardiogram to analyze your heart rhythm. It is important to provide your doctor with information about your dietary intake, including any foods containing MSG that you have consumed.
If you frequently experience negative side effects after consuming MSG, it may be advisable to avoid it. You can do this by reading food labels carefully and asking for your dishes to be prepared without MSG when dining out. However, keep in mind that MSG is generally considered safe, and severe symptoms are rare.
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Frequently asked questions
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a food additive (flavour enhancer) made up mostly of free glutamic acid, or glutamate, an amino acid found naturally in most foods.
There is limited scientific evidence that links MSG to muscle tightness. However, a study conducted by L Baad-Hansen et al. in 2010 found that there was a significant increase in reports of pericranial muscle tenderness after MSG consumption.
Common symptoms include headache, skin flushing, and sweating. Less common, severe symptoms may include chest pain or difficulty breathing.
MSG is widely used in the preparation of certain ethnic foods as well as in canned, frozen, and prepared foods, especially soups, sauces, broths, and dressings.
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