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The MSG-reaction is a reaction to free glutamic acid that occurs in food as a consequence of manufacture. MSG-sensitive people do not react to protein (which contains bound glutamic acid) or any of the minute amounts of free glutamic acid that might be found in unadulterated, unfermented, food.
These ALWAYS contain 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 |
| Carrageenan | Maltodextrin | Malt extract |
| Natural pork flavoring | Broth | Malt flavoring |
| Bouillon | 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") |
The new game is to label hydrolyzed proteins as pea protein, whey protein, corn protein, etc. If a pea, for example, were whole, it would be identified as a pea. Calling an ingredient pea protein indicates that the pea has been hydrolyzed, at least in part, and that processed free glutamic acid is present.
Disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate are expensive food additives that work synergistically with inexpensive MSG. Their use suggests that the product has MSG in it. They would probably not be used as food additives if there were no MSG present.
MSG reactions have been reported to soaps, shampoos, hair conditioners, and cosmetics, where MSG is hidden in ingredients that include the words "hydrolyzed" and "amino acids."
Low fat milk products often include milk solids that contain MSG.
Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are potential sources of hidden MSG and of aspartame. Aspartic acid, found in aspartame (NutraSweet), ordinarily causes MSG type reactions in MSG sensitive people. Aspartame is found in some medications, including children's medications. Check with your pharmacist.
Binders and fillers for medications, nutrients, and supplements, both prescription and non-prescription, enteral feeding materials, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.
According to the manufacturer, Varivax–Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG) which causes brain lesions in young laboratory animals, and causes endocrine disturbances like OBESITY and REPRODUCTIVE disorders later in life.
Reactions to MSG are dose related, i.e., some people react to even very small amounts. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after ingestion or after as much as 48 hours.
Note: There are additional ingredients that appear to cause MSG reactions in ACUTELY sensitive people. A list is available by request.
Remember: By FDA definition, all MSG is "naturally occurring." "Natural" doesn't mean "safe."
We would like to hear from you if you have found additional MSG-reaction triggers.
____________ 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 February 10, 2001
RECOGNIZING OR DIAGNOSING MSG SENSITIVITY
Pinpointing MSG as a reaction trigger -- A list of the adverse reactions to MSG
THE CHEMICAL THAT TRIGGERS MSG SENSITIVITY REACTIONS
Truly natural glutamic acid does not contain contaminants -- Genetically engineered bacteria are used to make some MSG
A pork extract is used by Ajinomoto in some, if not all of its "monosodium glutamate."
<>Hidden in processed food -- Hidden in infant formula -- Sprayed on growing fruits, grains, and vegetables
(There have been reports of MSG reactions to produce)
Sprayed on California wine grapes -- Proposed for spray on organic crops and for use in organic food
Hidden in food with labels that say "No Added MSG," "No MSG Added," and "No MSG"
Falsely advertised as containing no MSG
An overview -- Selected references
Brain lesions -- Retinal degeneration -- Neuroendocrine disorders -- Human adverse reactions
The Glutamate Cascade": Addiction, stroke, epilepsy, degenerative disorders, brain trauma, neuropathic pain, schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO PROFIT FROM THE SALE OF MSG
Industry's defenders of the safety of MSG -- Science for sale? -- Deceptive industry practices
THE POLITICS THAT PROMOTE THE UNREGULATED USE OF MSG
The FDA's next move -- FDA Refuses to Name Ingredients that Contain MSG -- How the game is play
JUST
THE FACTS: Things the "glutes" and their friends at
the EPA, FDA, and USDA don't want you to know.
CONSUMERS
TELL US THAT...
CONSUMER
ADVOCACY -- MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
The Truth in Labeling Campaign -- Getting involved -- Thinking of suing? -- Just the facts