The use of synthetic MSG remains controversial.  While many insist that the use of MSG is safe for human consumption, critics point to a growing body of evidence that suggests something different.  Over the past few decades, evidence has been mounting that MSG is not “safe” for human consumption.  Studies have shown that MSG added to the diet increases the desire to eat more food faster and more frequently.  Additionally, there is growing evidence that links the consumption of MSG to the rise in human obesity and diabetes, and an increase in Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD).

How much MSG are we ingesting?  That’s difficult to say because food processors and manufacturers are not required to list the amount of MSG on their packaging.   So, we have no way of knowing what a normal person or child would ingest in a day.  However, research suggests that as little as 0.6% MSG added to food is enough to make us eat more and faster. 

A 1995 report by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), which is an independent body of scientists, found that an unknown percentage of the population may actually react to MSG and develop MSG symptom complex, a condition characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
•    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 for people with asthma)
•    drowsiness
•    weakness

In August 2006, John Erb presented a report on MSG to the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee On Food Additives.  He summed it up best when he said, “There are few chemicals that we as a people are exposed to that have as many far reaching physiological affects on living beings as Monosodium Glutamate does. MSG directly causes obesity, diabetes, triggers epilepsy, destroys eye tissues, is genotoxic in many organs and is the probable cause of ADHD and Autism. Considering that MSG’s only reported role in food is that of ‘flavor enhancer’ is that use worth the risk of the myriad of physical ailments associated with it? Does the public really want to be tricked into eating more food and faster by a food additive?”

We can live without MSG.  If the processed food industry cannot eliminate it from their products, shouldn’t they at a minimum list just how much we are ingesting on a daily basis so we can regulate how much we choose to eat?

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