Additives
Is MSG bad for you?
For the vast majority of people, MSG is safe in normal amounts. The FDA classifies it as generally recognized as safe, though a small number of people report short-term sensitivity.
The details
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that provides a savory, umami taste. It's the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in tomatoes, cheese and many other foods.
Decades of research have not found reliable evidence that MSG causes the symptoms historically attributed to it. The FDA considers MSG 'generally recognized as safe.'
A small subset of people report short-term reactions like headache after large doses. If you're sensitive, you can check labels, but for most people MSG is fine in normal culinary amounts.
Key points
- FDA classifies MSG as generally recognized as safe
- Provides umami flavor with less sodium than salt
- No reliable evidence of harm at normal intake
- A minority report short-term sensitivity
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