Adverse Health Effects of MSG: Will Chinese Take-out Take You Out?

منو

" Adverse Health Effects of MSG: Will Chinese Take-out Take You Out? "
Cheng, Eric

Document Type	:	AL
Record Number	:	942587
Doc. No	:	LA60k39774
Language of Document	:	English
Main Entry	:	Cheng, Eric
Title & Author	:	Adverse Health Effects of MSG: Will Chinese Take-out Take You Out? [Article]\ Cheng, Eric
Title of Periodical	:	Nutrition Bytes
Volume/ Issue Number	:	4/3
Date	:	1998
Abstract	:	Oral ingestion of monosodium L-glutamate, particularly when used as a seasoning in Chinese restaurant meals, has been implicated in a growing number of adverse reactions. These range from the classic Chinese Restaurant Syndrome triad of symptoms (facial pressure, chest pain, and a burning sensation) to documented cases of MSG-induced asthma. A number of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have confirmed a relationship between MSG dose and CRS symptom duration and intensity, with a challenge threshold around 2.5 gm. Studies have also confirmed MSG-provoked asthma attacks in susceptible individuals, which exhibit a reproducible time delay. While the existing data are not overwhelming, they do suggest the existence of certain subgroups within the general population that are predisposed to MSG-induced symptoms, both the CRS and asthma. Current mechanisms under consideration involve the effects of elevated serum glutamate level mediated through central and/or peripheral glutamate receptors. Much research remains to be done.