Ingestion of processed free glutamic acid (MSG) is known to produce a variety of adverse reactions in some people. These reactions, although seemingly dissimilar, are no more diverse than reactions found as side effects of certain neurological drugs. We do not know why some people experience reactions and others do not. We do not know whether MSG "causes" the condition underlying the reaction, or whether the underlying condition is simply aggravated by the ingestion of MSG. We only know that the reactions listed below are sometimes caused or exacerbated by MSG.

All forms of MSG (free glutamic acid that occurs in food as a consequence of manufacture) cause these reactions in MSG-sensitive people. That includes MSG found in a plant "growth enhancer" called AuxiGro, and MSG found in a variety of other fertilizers and fungicides that have been approved for spraying on growing crops, including crops identified as "organic."

 

Cardiac Arrhythmia  Atrial fibrillation  Tachycardia  ..Rapid heartbeat  ..Palpitations  Slow heartbeat  Angina  Extreme rise or drop  ..in blood pressure  Circulatory Swelling  Gastrointestinal Diarrhea  Nausea/vomiting  Stomach cramps  Irritable bowel  Swelling of hemorrhoids  ..and/or anus area  Rectal bleeding  Bloating  Muscular Flu-like achiness  Joint pain  Stiffness

Neurological Depression  Mood swings  Rage reactions  Migraine headache  Dizziness  Light-headedness  Loss of balance  Disorientation  Mental confusion  Anxiety  Panic attacks  Hyperactivity  Behavioral problems  ..in children  Attention deficit disorders  Lethargy  Sleepiness  Insomnia  Numbness or paralysis Seizures  Sciatica  Slurred speech  Chills and shakes  Shuddering  Visual Blurred vision  Difficulty focusing  Pressure around eyes

Respiratory Asthma  Shortness of breath  Chest pain  Tightness in the chest  Runny nose  Sneezing  Urological / Genital Swelling of the prostate  Swelling of the vagina  Vaginal spotting  Frequent urination  Nocturia  Skin Hives (may be both ..internal and external)  Rash  Mouth lesions  Temporary tightness or  ..partial paralysis  ..(numbness or tingling)  ..of the skin  Flushing  Extreme dryness of  ..the mouth  Face swelling  Tongue swelling  Bags under eyes

Obesity, reproductive disorders, and learning impairment, that sometimes become obvious only after puberty, may have their origins in neuroendocrine dysfunction caused by exposure of infants and small children to MSG.

The first evidence linking retinal degeneration to treatment with MSG was found by researchers testing the notion that glutamic acid might cure retinal degeneration. By 1969, evidence that treatment with MSG caused retinal degeneration had been confirmed many times.

Truth in Labeling Campaign, P.O. Box 2532, Darien, IL 60561

adandjack@aol.com 858/481-9333 http://www.truthinlabeling.org

This page was last updated on June 7, 2002