http://www.truthinlabeling.org/adversereactions.html Monosodium Glutamate, monosodium glutamate, MSG, glutamate, glutamic acid – separating MSG-fact from MSG-fiction and industry propaganda Collected Reports of Adverse Reactions to MSG Ingestion 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 Neurological Respiratory Arrhythmia Depression Asthma Atrial fibrillation Mood swings Shortness of breath Tachycardia Rage reactions Chest pain ..Rapid heartbeat Migraine headache Tightness in the ..Palpitations Dizziness chest Slow heartbeat Light-headedness Runny nose Angina Loss of balance Sneezing Extreme rise or drop Disorientation Mental confusion Urological / Genital ..in blood pressure Anxiety Panic attacks Swelling of the Circulatory Hyperactivity prostate Behavioral problems Swelling of the Swelling ..in children vagina Attention deficit Vaginal spotting Gastrointestinal disorders Frequent urination Lethargy Nocturia Diarrhea Sleepiness Nausea/vomiting Insomnia Skin Stomach cramps Numbness or Irritable bowel paralysis Seizures Hives (may be both Swelling of Sciatica ..internal and hemorrhoids Slurred speech external) ..and/or anus area Chills and shakes Rash Rectal bleeding Shuddering Mouth lesions Bloating Temporary tightness Visual or Muscular ..partial paralysis Blurred vision ..(numbness or Flu-like achiness Difficulty focusing tingling) Joint pain Pressure around eyes..of the skin Stiffness Flushing Extreme dryness of ..the mouth Face swelling Tongue swelling Bags under eyes Learning Impairment and Endocrine Disorders May Also Be Caused or Made Worse by Early Exposure to MSG 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. Glaucoma and Macular Degeneration (deterioration of the retina) May Also Be Caused or Made Worse by 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. ************ http://www.truthinlabeling.org/facts.html Just the Facts When consumers refer to MSG they are referring to PROCESSED FREE GLUTAMIC ACID. If glutamic acid hasn't been processed, it doesn't cause adverse reactions. MSG is MANUFACTURED. MSG is NOT FOUND NATURALLY IN FOOD or in the human body. MSG is NOT IDENTICAL TO FREE GLUTAMIC ACID THAT HAS NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED. The glutamic acid found naturally in human beings and other higher organisms is not MSG. MSG enters the body through the mouth, through the nose, and/or through the skin. MSG can enter the brain through the blood brain barrier, which is incomplete through childhood, never intact in certain regions of the hypothalamus, and is easily damaged by things like a blow to the head, high fever, seizures, stroke, and the normal process of aging. MSG is potentially toxic to everyone. MSG is most toxic to infants, children, and the elderly. MSG is found in medications - including vaccines. MSG is found in infant formula - with the greatest amounts found in hypoallergenic formula. MSG is found in liquid supplements given to the elderly. MSG is being sprayed on crops as they grow. MSG is HIDDEN IN AND ON UNPROCESSED PRODUCE that has been sprayed with plant "growth enhancers," fertilizers, and fungicides that contain MSG. MSG is hidden in PROCESSED food in ingredients that give no clue to the fact that they contain MSG. The glutamate-industry-sponsored research that claims to "prove" that MSG is safe is flawed to the point of being fraudulent. One of their tricks (and there are many) is to use MSG in placebos. By law, the burden of proof that any food ingredient is safe lies with the manufacturer. But the only "proof" that MSG is "safe" presented to the FDA by manufacturers has been in the form of research that is flawed to the point of being fraudulent. How, then, can the FDA get away with refusing to warn the public about the toxic effects of MSG? It's called politics. *************** http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.htm Monosodium Glutamate, monosodium glutamate, MSG, glutamate, glutamic acid – separating MSG-fact from MSG-fiction HIDDEN SOURCES OF PROCESSED FREE GLUTAMIC ACID (MSG) NAMES OF INGREDIENTS THAT CONTAIN ENOUGH MSG TO SERVE AS COMMON MSG-REACTION TRIGGERS 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 These OFTEN contain MSG or create MSG during processing Carrageenan Maltodextrin Malt extract Natural pork Broth Malt flavoring flavoring Bouillon Natural chicken Soy protein isolate flavoring Natural beef Ultra-pasteurized Soy sauce flavoring Stock Barley malt Soy sauce extract Whey protein Pectin Soy protein concentrate Whey protein Protease Soy protein concentrate Whey protein isolate Protease enzymes Anything protein fortified Flavors(s) & Anything enzyme modified Anything fermented Flavoring(s) Natural flavor(s) Enzymes anything Seasonings & flavoring(s) (the word "seasonings") In ADDITION... 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 September 15, 2000 ----------------------------------------------------------------- More on maltodextrin Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2000 Most, if not all of the maltodextrin that is used in this country is made from corn. In making the maltodextrin, and also in making corn starch, the manufacturer does not take the time or undertake the expense to remove all of the protein. During production, the remaining protein is HYDROLYZED. All hydrolyzed protein contains processed free glutamic acid (MSG). It will also contain other free amino acids, including neurotoxic aspartic acid and L-cysteine. Some years ago, a large unnamed producer of maltodextrin had a third party inform me that they would sue if I did not eliminate maltodextrin from our list of ingredients that contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG). My reply to the intermediary was to tell them to go to hell. Apparently, the company that threatened me tested their product because the story changed later. After testing, the story was that there was such a small amount that it couldn't be a problem. I am sure that you have heard such stories before. Jack Samuels ----------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, 26 Feb. 2001 "Natural Flavorings" Any ingredient called "flavor(s)" or "flavoring(s)," often preceded by the word "natural," may contain some processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Through action of congress, producers of flavors and flavorings are able to consider the recipe for their products as proprietary information, and refuse to disclose the ingredients that they use. If I were to guess, I would guess that over 80% of the flavor and flavoring products used in processed foods contain some processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Dave Rietz provided you with additional information on MSG. In regard to soup, it is almost impossible to find a commercial soup that is totally free of MSG. Depending on your tolerance for MSG, homemade soup can also be a problem. The long cooking time required to make the soup breaks down the protein used, resulting in some processed free glutamic acid (MSG). Some MSG-sensitive people have found that they can tolerate their homemade soup if they reduce the cooking time. In effect, they are reducing the amount of MSG to a level that is within their tolerance for the substance. Jack Samuels ----------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 21 Mar 1997 10:31:02 -0600 From: Madelon Price To: bettym19@mindspring.com Subject: Aspartame causes infertility -Reply Betty-- I originally did research on aspartame because I was concerned about aspartic acid, one of the major breakdown products. Aspartic acid, like glutamic acid (mono sodium glutamte, MSG, Accent) readily passes from the blood into the circumventircular organs of the brain, one of which, the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus/ median eminence, controls outflow of hormones from the pituitary gland. Hormones such as prolactin, but even more importantly luteinizing hormone & growth hormone, control growth & sexual function. I was especially concerned because glutamate is on the FDA list of compounds that is essentially unregulated (GRAS list, generally regarded as safe) even though Dr. Olney has been trumpeting the harmful effects of MSG since the late 60's. Aspartate & glutamate are additive in their ability to harm the circumventricular organs. I showed (in rodents) that both amino acids freely enter the arcuate nucleus & ( at low dose) cause inappropriate release of hormones & at high dose actually destroy these regulatory neurons. That is why sexual dysfunction is associated with aspartame & MSG. If enough arcuate neurons are lost, that dysfunction is irreversible. Rodents that ingest high levels of aspartate or glutamate when young become infertile adults. Madelon Price ----------------------------------------------------------------- Links: http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Recog.html RECOGNIZING OR DIAGNOSING MSG SENSITIVITY http://www.truthinlabeling.org/sensitive.html Pinpointing MSG as a reaction trigger --http://www.truthinlabeling.org/adversereactions.html A list of the adverse reactions to MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Chem.html THE CHEMICAL THAT TRIGGERS MSG SENSITIVITY REACTIONS http://www.truthinlabeling.org/manufac.html Truly natural glutamic acid does not contain contaminants -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/ge.html Genetically engineered bacteria are used to make some MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Avoid.html AVOIDING MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/cdpr.html Sprayed on California wine grapes -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/organicP.html Proposed for spray on organic crops and for use in organic food http://www.truthinlabeling.org/nomsg.html Hidden in food with labels that say "No Added MSG," "No MSG Added," and "No MSG" http://www.truthinlabeling.org/rapunzel.html Falsely advertised as containing no MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Dang.html DANGERS OF USING MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/humansatrisk.html An overview -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/additional.htm Selected references http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Brain.html Brain lesions -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Retinal.html Retinal degeneration -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Neuro.html Neuroendocrine disorders -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Adv.html Human adverse reactions http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Glut.html The Glutamate Cascade": Addiction, stroke, epilepsy, degenerative disorders, brain trauma, schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Enemy.html THE PEOPLE WHO PROFIT FROM THE SALE OF MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/l-manuscript.htm An expose: The Toxicity/Safety of Processed Free Glutamic Acid (MSG): A Study in Suppression of Information Ihttp://www.truthinlabeling.org/defenders.html ndustry's defenders of the safety of MSG -- Science for sale? -- Deceptive industry practices http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Pol.html THE POLITICS THAT PROMOTE THE UNREGULATED USE OF MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/FDA.html The FDA's next move -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/FDAasked.htm FDA Refuses to Name Ingredients that Contain MSG -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Legislators2.html How the game is play http://www.truthinlabeling.org/l-manuscript.htm An Expose: The Toxicity/Safety of Processed Free Glutamic Acid (MSG): A Study in Suppression of Information http://www.truthinlabeling.org/Regs.html REGULATIONS FOR LABELING MSG? http://www.truthinlabeling.org/presentregulations.html Regulations for labeling MSG http://www.truthinlabeling.org/ConsAd.html CONSUMER ADVOCACY http://www.truthinlabeling.org/truthinlabeling.htm The Truth in Labeling Campaign -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/involved.htm Getting involved -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/suing.html Thinking of Suing? -- http://www.truthinlabeling.org/forB.html COMMENTARY: FOR BETTER OR WORSE ------------------ See also: http://www.dorway.com/samasp.txt aspartame used in MSG placebos before approval! http://www.dorway.com/fms50.txt 50 signs of fibromyalgia