MSG is a compound with with a lot of incorrect information. In its natural form is it useful. In its manufactured form it is reported to cause a lot of harm that proponents of it disclaim. The facts about MSG are evaluated on this page.

Keep in mind we avoid personal speculation, seeking reputable scientific reports with their links so you can see the facts for yourself. In some cases we may provide information that is not from a lab, but that in our opinion has useful information.

Many diseases on this web site show almost the exact same symptoms listed below for MSG. This makes the search to isolate what one needs to do to get well a difficult puzzle. Keep in mind most diseases with these symptoms are a result of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the common denominator, but may not be the root cause of ones problems. In this case if one has adverse reactions to MSG they will also have oxidative stress. In such a case the MSG caused the oxidative stress. Thus every disease caused by oxidative stress and every disease that causes oxidative stress result in the bodies overall loss of cell to cell function. In other words fluids accumulate between the cells to impede blood and lymph flow. This causes the body to react with the symptoms listed below. Also understand that an allergic reaction to MSG or anything can be due to the immune system (alone) or due to the results of ingesting a poisonous Excitotoxinn such as MSG. Both may cause a reaction to something harmful to the body. What all this means is that it is important to heal oxidative stress, but doing so alone, may not result in a health improvement, if ones illness is from a harmful substance.

I find the information I have accumulated in this article very disturbing. What is so tragic is that it is harming so many people who trust our government and food manufacturers to provide safe foods. The herb Ephedra was banned in the US by the FDA and our government. Ephedra is not harmful if used correctly, and it only caused harm when overused, and even then it caused a millionth of the problems MSG is causing. I find this to be what I consider a tragic and criminal act. Our government agents and food manufacturers should be held criminally accountable for allowing MSG to poison us. See the information on the "Cheeseburger Bill" in #9 below that protects those who poison us. There are numerous claims by the food industry and others that MSG has no proof that it is a poison. This is not true. The facts I have collected in this article prove they know they are lying. It is a posturing of lies similar to that of the tobacco industry when they testified before congress, stating tobacco has no research to prove it is harmful.

1. The subject of MSG is extremely controversial. Food, Government and Drug companies are promoting its safe use with statements similar to the following reports.

A. "Most research suggests that MSG is safe if consumed in limited quantities. There may be certain groups of people who are particularly sensitive to the health effects of MSG and could experience the disturbing symptoms described above. There’s also the possibility that young children and infants may be more prone to adverse reactions. For this reason, if you’ve ever experienced a known reaction to MSG, it’s best to avoid it whenever possible. It may also be wise to avoid exposing children to it until more is known about its safety in this population." source

B. "However, researchers have found no definitive evidence of a link between MSG and these symptoms. Researchers acknowledge, though, that a small percentage of people may have short-term reactions to MSG. Symptoms are usually mild and don't require treatment. The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid foods containing MSG." Mayo Clinic

C. "U.S. Government Food Safety Warning. The transport of MSG is controlled by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. [PDF source] Because there is so much concern about MSG, the FDA commissioned a study be conducted by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). The study resulted in a 350 page report completed on 31 July 1995 [this report mysteriously deleted from public archives]. The research determined that MSG consumption can result in the following side-effects:"

* 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
* bronchospasm (difficulty breathing) in MSG-intolerant people with asthma
* drowsiness
* weakness
source: http://www.resourcesforlife.com/docs/item1225

2. "MSG is normally obtained by the fermentation of carbohydrates and by using bacterial or yeast species from genera such as Brevibacterium, Arthrobacter, Microbacterium, and Corynebacterium. Yields of 100 g/litre [5] can be prepared in this way. From 1909 to the mid 1960s, MSG was prepared by the hydrolysis of wheat gluten, which is roughly 25% glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is one of the least soluble amino acids, which facilitates its purification.[6] Like the sodium salts of other amino acids, MSG is a stable colourless solid that is degraded by strong oxidizing agents. It exists as a pair of mirror image stereoisomers (enantiomers), but only the naturally occurring L-glutamate form is used as a flavour enhancer."
Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monosodium_glutamate
(author's note: MSG is a derivative of fermentation, yeast, bacteria and wheat. It does not take a rocket scientist to recognize that something made from poisons is still a poison!!! MSG is a problem for celiac and candid ia sufferers, not to mention that fermentation creates harmful oxidative substances known to upset the immune system and cause oxidative stress.)

3. "Glutamate is one of the 26 amino acids found in protein. It is found in a wide variety of foods and is required by the body for the production of neurotransmitters, regulating intestinal function and is the most common amino acid found in muscle tissue. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG is a sodium salt derived from Glutamate.Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a common additive found in most of the processed foods sold at the supermarket. The manufacturers add MSG to the food primarily to improve the flavor of the food. Unfortunately, MSG is an excitotoxin which can over stimulate the neuron cells in the brain causing lesions and eventually cell death. Severe health consequences can occur in predisposed people even with minute quantities. Common symptoms include headaches,
nausea, facial and joint swelling, tachycardia, chest pain, heart arrhythmia, asthma and epileptic seizures.Manufactures use different names for MSG on the labels for their products in order to hide the presence of MSG. Below I have listed some of the more common alternative names that MSG is listed under on food labels:" http://howtostoppain.com/eliminate-msg-from-your-diet/

5. "Monosodium Glutamate is categorized as an Excitotoxinn (author's note: see Wickipedia definition below of Excitotoxinn and item #10 below.) In 1996, Dr. Russell L. Blaylock M.D. published the book Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills. In his book, Dr. Blaylock cites studies in which MSG was found to produce brain lesions, obesity, and brain damage. Citing a 1968 study conducted by Dr. John W. Olney, Dr. Blaylock writes, “… not only did MSG cause severe damage to the neurons in the retina of the eye, but … it also caused widespread destruction of neurons in the hypothalamus and other areas of the brain adjacent to the ventricular system, called the cirumventricular organs.” (p. 35) Dr. Blaylock continues, “… at the time of Dr. Olney’s report, even baby foods contained relatively large doses of MSG. … The discovery of Dr. Olney was particularly important because the hypothalamus plays such an important role in controlling so many areas of the body. This little piece of brain, no larger than the fingernail of your little finger, controls a multitude of systems: regulating growth, the onset of puberty, most of the endocrine glands, appetite, sleep cycles and waking patterns, the biological clock and even consciousness itself. Dr. Olney’s studies on various species of test animals disclosed that MSG, when fed in doses similar to those found in human diets, destroys hypothalamic neurons. This type of hypothalamic damage produces a particular syndrome in animals which caused them to be short in stature, obese, and to have reproductive problems. … Recognizing the immediate danger to the public, especially to the unborn child, Dr. Olney and others testified before Congress concerning these dangers. As a result of their vigilance, MSG was voluntarily removed from baby foods in 1969. But no one had warned pregnant women of the danger to their developing babies caused by the MSG found within their own food. This danger would exist if the glutamate from the mother’s blood entered the blood of their unborn baby. In 1974, Dr. Olney demonstrated that MSG, when fed to pregnant Rhesus monkeys, could cause brain damage to their offspring. Other researchers found similar results when pregnant rats were fed MSG.” (pp. 36-37)" http://www.resourcesforlife.com/docs/item1225

Wickipedia Information; "Excitotoxicity is the pathological process by which nerve cells are damaged and killed by glutamate and similar substances. This occurs when receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (glutamate receptors) such as the NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor are overactivated. Excitotoxins like NMDA and kainic acid which bind to these receptors, as well as pathologically high levels of glutamate, can cause excitotoxicity by allowing high levels of calcium ions[2] (Ca2+) to enter the cell. Ca2+ influx into cells activates a number of enzymes, including phospholipases, endonucleases, and proteases such as calpain. These enzymes go on to damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA.

Excitotoxicity may be involved in spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal and Huntington's disease.[3][4] Other common conditions that cause excessive glutamate concentrations around neurons are hypoglycemia[5] and status epilepticus.[6]" Wickipedia

6. (author's note: The government lets food manufactures avoid showing MSG on food labels.) "You may be consuming monosodium glutamate (or free glutamates) in any food that contains:" (1) "Manufacturers also hide MSG as part of "natural flavorings," because it is a natural product. But being natural is not the same as being harmless." (2)

7. "I wondered if there could be an actual chemical causing the massive obesity epidemic, so did a friend of mine, John Erb. He was a research assistant at the University of Waterloo, and spent years working for the government.

He made an amazing discovery while going through scientific journals for a book he was writing called The Slow Poisoning of America. In hundreds of studies around the world, scientists were creating obese mice and rats to use in diet or diabetes test studies.

No strain of rat or mice is naturally obese, so the scientists have to create them. They make these morbidly obese creatures by injecting them with a chemical when they are first born. The MSG triples the amount of insulin the pancreas creates, causing rats (and humans?) to become obese They even have a title for the race of fat rodents they create: "MSG-Treated Rats" http://www.rense.com/general52/msg.htm

Here is proof of rats being fed MSG to make them fat for lab testing.
A. "Obesity was induced by MSG administration (4 mg/g, each other day, from birth to 14 days old) After 14 from drug administration, the rats were separated into two groups: MSG-S (sedentary) and MSG-T (exercise trained)." PMID: 14632317

B. "...obesity was induced by neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment in spontaneously hypertensive rats..." PMID 9582101

8. (Author's note: Depression drugs are a huge industry for the drug companies, medical distributors and doctors. MSG is proven to lower serotonin which in turn causes depression. No wonder the drug companies promote MSG and lobby to prevent the truth to be told.) "we found a similar feeding-induced stimulation of serotonin release in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) in sham-adrenalectomized control and MSG rats. The concomitant serum corticosterone variations were markedly distinct between them, in that an increase occurred in the control group, while the initially high levels of the MSG rats decreased with feeding" PMID: 12183012

9. (author's note: Lab tests dated back to this report in 1986 have proved that MSG caused depression and lesions in rats. If it does it in rats it will do it in humans. Health lab scientist use rats because they mimic what happens to humans.) " Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) was depressed in mice that had been treated with monosodium glutamate (MSG) in their suckling period. Analysis of the DTH depression by use of the macrophage migration inhibition assay showed dysfunction of DTH effector T cells. The neuronal loss of nuclei in the hypothalamus, which elaborates the corticotropin-releasing factor and the hypersecretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, was observed in the MSG-treated mice. Therefore, DTH response may be modulated by the neuroendocrine system. PMID 453469

10. Congress passes "Cheesburger Bill" that prevents citizens the right to sue food providers for putting MSG and other addititivies in their food even when proven to be harmful. CBS news   CNN news   Fox news

11. author's note: If you think this article is wrong headed go to the governments web site sponsored by the National Health Institute at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ then type "MSG" and see that there are over 6,000 articles on it. Study them for yourself and see the scientists reports about MSG and see for yourself if it is good or not. For myself I am starting to avoid MSG as much as I can. No wonder the China Diet and similar natural foods are so healthy. Not only is natural more healthy, but now I know it is also because they do not contain the poisonous MSG that is causing our epidemic of obesity and health problems. I have long wondered if a food additive could be a cause of the increase in non heterosexual orientation such as the vast increase in gay, lesbian transsexual orientation and sexual deviations or addictions in so many people in our world.

"Hypothalamic dioxin--central role in conscious perception, europium integration and coordination of cellular function--relation to hemispheric dominance. A family with a high prevalence of Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, neoplasm's, syndrome-X, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy has been described. The psychological behavioral patterns of the family were as follows--creativity and high IQ, hyper sexual behavior, reduced appetite and eating behavior, insomnia and reduced sleep patterns, increased tendency for spirituality, increased tendency for addiction, less of bonding and affectionate behavior and left handedness. Dioxin, an endogenous Nan(+)-K(+) Apse inhibitor secreted by the hypothalamus, was found to be elevated and RBC membrane Nan(+)-K(+) Apse activity was found to be reduced in all the disorders and in the indexed family studied. Hypothalamic dioxin can modulate conscious perception and its dysfunction may lead to schizophrenia. Dioxin can also preferentially up regulate crypto transport over tyrosine resulting in increased levels of depolarizing crypto capabilities - Sheraton, quinoa acid, strychnine and nicotine and decreased levels of hyperbola tyrosine capabilities dopamine, nor adrenaline and morphine contributing to membrane Nan(+)-K(+) Apse inhibition in all the above disorders and the indexed family. Dioxin induced membrane Nan(+)-K(+) Apse inhibition can result in increased intracellular Ca(2+) and reduced Mg(++) levels leading to glutamate excitant, monogeneses activation and immune activation. Dioxin induced altered Ca(++)/Mg(++) ratios, reduced ubiquitous and increased dollishly can affect glycogen metabolism, membrane formation and structure and mitochondria function leading to the diverse disorders described above including those in the indexed family. The isoprene pathway and neurotransmitter patterns were compared in right-handed/left hemispheric dominant and left-handed/right hemispheric dominant individuals. The biochemical patterns in the indexed family and the diverse disorders studied correlated with those obtained in right hemispheric dominance. The hyped state indicates right hemispheric dominance. Hypothalamic dioxin can thus function as the master conductor of the europium orchestra and co-ordinate the functions of various cellular organelles. PMID 12606243

author's note: Although the above report is difficult for a non medical person to understand I include it because it shows that a low level of digoxin in the portion of the brain called the Hypothalamic can cause all the problems listed including sexual hyperactivity. In other words the lack of digozin in the hypothalamus upsets the entire bodies hormone balance. See item #4 above for a link between MSG and digozin which show both have exitotozicity properties. It suggests that both digozin and MSG cause the problems listed for this family, namely; Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, neoplasms, syndrome-X, rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, psychological behavioral patterns, creativity and high IQ, hypersexual behavior, reduced appetite and eating behavior, insomnia and reduced sleep patterns, increased tendency for spirituality, increased tendency for addiction, less of bonding and affectionate behavior and left handedness. Although this is not a conclusive link between MSG and digozin it shows that they both cause similar symptoms including hormonal and sexual complications, thus merits greater study. It proves that hormal upset in the hypothalmic can cause sexual deviation and since there are numerous reports that MSG also causes hormonal dysfunction it gives credence to the assumption that MSG can cause sexual problems. Whether it proves MSG causes these problems, something certainly is that is more than just ones voluntary choices. It also gives more credence to the assumption that some people act in certain ways due to causes beyond their voluntary control. Thus giving greater reason to avoid MSG.

12. Relief of fibromyalgia symptoms following discontinuation of dietary excitotoxins
JD Smith, CM Terpening, SO Schmidt, and JG Gums

"BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a common rheumatologic disorder that is often difficult to treat effectively. CASE SUMMARY: Four patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome for two to 17 years are described. All had undergone multiple treatment modalities with limited success. All had complete, or nearly complete, resolution of their symptoms within months after eliminating monosodium glutamate (MSG) or MSG plus aspartame from their diet. All patients were women with multiple comorbidities prior to elimination of MSG. All have had recurrence of symptoms whenever MSG is ingested. DISCUSSION: Excitotoxins are molecules, such as MSG and aspartate, that act as excitatory neurotransmitters, and can lead to neurotoxicity when used in excess. We propose that these four patients may represent a subset of fibromyalgia syndrome that is induced or exacerbated by excitotoxins or, alternatively, may comprise an excitotoxin syndrome that is similar to fibromyalgia. We suggest that identification of similar patients and research with larger numbers of patients must be performed before definitive conclusions can be made. CONCLUSIONS: The elimination of MSG and other excitotoxins from the diets of patients with fibromyalgia offers a benign treatment option that has the potential for dramatic results in a subset of patients." http://www.theannals.com/cgi/content/abstract/35/6/702

13. How to avoid MSG "MSG, also know as Monosodium Glutamate, is most widely known as what is in Chinese food that makes us sick. However, the general population doesn't know that its in just about every single prepared food in the supermarket and in virtually all restaurants food. It sounds impossible I know, but follow these examples and you will greatly reduce or even be able to eliminate MSG from your diet. Go to www.truthinlabeling.com to find out why MSG should be avoided.

Things You'll Need:* Dedication to changing your diet. * Reading glasses to read those tiny labels on food packaging.
Step 1 Read your labels. This is tricky because food producers have a cunning way of hidding the MSG laden ingredients. These are alternative names used for MSG: Glutamate, Glutamic acid, Gelatin, Monosodium glutamate, Calcium caseinate, Textured protein, Monopotassium glutamate, Sodium caseinate, Yeast nutrient, Yeast extract, Yeast food, Autolyzed yeast, Hydrolyzed protein (any protein that is hydrolyzed), Hydrolyzed corn gluten, Natrium glutamate (natrium is Latin/German for sodium.
Step 2 Also watch out for food containing these ingredients, they are often ingredients the processing created MSG. Carrageenan, Maltodextrin, Malt extract, Natural pork flavoring, Citric acid, Malt flavoring, Bouillon and Broth, Natural chicken flavoring, Soy protein isolate, Natural beef flavoring, Ultra-pasteurized, Soy sauce, Stock, Barley malt, Soy sauce extract, Whey protein concentrate, Pectin, Soy protein, Whey protein Protease, Soy protein concentrate, Whey protein isolate, Protease enzymes, Anything protein fortified, Flavors(s) & Flavoring(s), Anything enzyme modified, Anything fermented, Natural flavor(s) & flavoring(s), Enzymes anything, Seasonings (the word "seasonings").
Step 3 Eat fresh, Natural foods. Food that are raw and unadulturated are always free of MSG. These foods are fruits, vegetables, unprocessed meats that do not have "solution's" or "Broth" added. Of course flours, rice, corns and other grains that are not prepared should not have any MSG in them.
Step 4 Don't buy frozen meals, entree' s, appetizers or desserts. If there is any question, read the label for the hidden MSG names.
Step 5 Do not buy flavored chips, crackers, nuts, popcorn etc. Dorrito's, Cheeto's, any "o's" chip that has a special flavor on it has Monosodium Glutamate, which before you read this article you might not have known that it is the same as MSG. Opt for brands like Kettle Cooked chips and Pirate Bootie that have no MSG in them, or plain corn and potato chips and plain crackers.
Step 6 Avoid all soup/broth from the store. Avoid salad dressings. Find simple online recipes for dressing and dips, or attempt to find a brand that has no MSG at a Whole Foods Market or Wild Oats type store. http://www.ehow.com/how_2337141_avoid-msg-diet.html

14. Watch this CBS video about the dangers of MSG http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txiVDY-prk4

15. What is the official FDA position on MSG? I searched their web site for a position statement and could not find one. However I found the list of what the FDA states are safe food additives and Aspartame and MSG are on their safe list.

author's note: With the overwhelming scientific research proving these are dangerous Excitotoinns one could wonder if the FDA is either bought off, part of a conspiracy to make us fat and sick, or simply ignorant. You chose which you believe. It simply can not be ignorance of the dangers, because the proof is overwhelming. The taste wars of the food industry is overwhelming and they are a powerful lobbying group fighting to keep MSG in foods, especially fast foods and foods that otherwise might be less tasteful. MSG is making many food, drug and health industries very wealthy, it is worth billions for them.

The medical industry is working to find a new and better fat and anti depression pill to counter the effects of MSG. Since most altered drugs have numerous side effects we have a terrible scenario. We are legally fed a poison of MSG that makes us sick, depressed and fat, then given other drugs with all their harmful side effects that make us worse. If the health industry and FDA were really interested in making us healthier and thinner wouldn't it be reasonable to assume they would ban MSG and Aspartame? Instead they are the front line promoters of keeping us sick with MSG.

16. "The possible antidote for MSG toxicity is simple: take plenty of protein, especially L-glutamine, which would displace the free glutamate from the body. The other is taking niacinamide vitamin B3 and vitamin B complex. The B3 may reduce some craving and neutralized those impulse generating from the MSG." http://www.naturalremediesblog.net/msg-toxicity/ (author's note: this statement has no scientific research to verify its validity, and is offered for information only.)

17. "The June 5, 2008 edition of Phytomedicine reports a study based on an idea generated by the knowledge that estrogen has been shown to affect neuronal growth, differentiation and survival. Genistein, diadzein and other isoflavones have been shown to mimic the pharmacological actions of the steroid estrogen, due to their similarity of structure. So, researchers hypothesized that the natural mixture of phytoestrogenic isoflavones found in red clover could protect the brain from glutamate toxicity. They used a human cortical cell line to test the efficacy of the red clover. Neuronal viability was determined and neuronal membrane damage was quantitatively measured." http://leifgrunseth.com/2008/09/red-clover-blocks-neurological-damage-from-msg/

18. "In 1957 two ophthalmologists, Lucas and Newhouse decided to test MSG on infant mice in an effort to study an eye disease known as hereditary retinal dystrophy. When they examined the eye tissue of the sacrificed animals they made a startling discovery. MSG had destroyed all the nerve cells in the inner layers of the animals retina which are the visual receptor cells of the eye. Ten years later John W. Olney, M.D. a neuroscientist working for the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis repeated Lucus and Newhouse's experiment in infant mice. He found that MSG was not only toxic to the retina, but also to the brain. When he examined the animals brains, he discovered that specialized cells in a critical area of the animals brain, the hypothalamus, were destroyed after a single dose of MSG. At this time the concentrations of MSG found in baby foods was equal to that used to create brain lesions in experimental animals and in all these experiments, immature animals were found to be much more vulnerable to the toxic effects of MSG than older animals (this was true for all animal species tested)."
http://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Articles/Blaylock