What is MSG?

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that is "generally recognized as safe," the use of MSG remains controversial.

A comprehensive review of all available scientific data on glutamate safety sponsored by the FDA in 1995 reaffirmed the safety of MSG when consumed at levels typically used in cooking and food manufacturing. The report found no evidence to suggest that MSG contributes to any long-term health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease. But it did acknowledge that some people may have short-term reactions to MSG. These reactions — known as MSG symptom complex — may include: 
-Headache, sometimes called MSG headache
-Flushing
-Sweating
-Sense of facial pressure or tightness
-Numbness, tingling or burning in or around the mouth
-Rapid, fluttering heartbeats (heart palpitations)
-Chest pain
-Shortness of breath
-Nausea
-Weakness