Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Published on Apr 13, 2018
Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy.
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Reported symptoms of CRS include headache, flushing, and sweating.
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“NO MSG” signs are plastered all over Asian restaurants.
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MSG belongs to a group of chemicals known as “glutamate.”
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Glutamate is one of the most important components in proteins.
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It is found naturally in many protein-containing foods.
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Including cheese, milk, meat, fish and different vegetables.
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The levels of MSG are higher in foods like tomatoes, mushrooms and Parmesan cheese.
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MSG itself is simply comprised of water, sodium and glutamate.
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When MSG is added to a food, it serves as a flavor enhancer.
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MSG has no texture or smell of its own.
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It serves to emphasize the natural flavor of the food itself.
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MSG is generally derived from starch, corn sugar, molasses, sugar cane or sugar beets.
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MSG is found in processed foods such as soups and salad dressings
It is also sold alone as a white crystal substance similar to sugar
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Glutamate provides important benefits to human health.
About 2 kg of natural glutamate can be found in the body’s organs and tissues.
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The glutamate produced by the
brain assists in the organ’s normal functions and also serves as a neurotransmitter.
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MSG was originally designated as a Generally Recognized as Safe (“GRAS”) ingredient
by the FDA in 1958.
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In 1987, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the UN Food and Agriculture
Organization and WHO placed MSG in the safest category of food ingredients.
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The FDA requires labeling of all ingredients in processed and packaged foods.
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Whenever MSG is added to a food product, it must be listed on the ingredient list as “monosodium glutamate.”
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There is virtually no confirmed, scientific evidence of deaths or serious illness from MSG.
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Presented by Monicah Ndegwa, RN, BSN
Olle Middle School / Alief ISD, Houston
References:
"Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy". 2005 Third Year Paper. In Harvard University. Retrieved from: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:8846733
"Fact or Fiction? The MSG Controversy". 2005 Third Year Paper. In Harvard University. Retrieved from: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:8846733
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