|
MSG Research
All independent research has proven that MSG kills neurons and thus has an adverse effect on health in a variety of animals and in humans. This research has also shown that humans absorb MSG more rapidly and completely than other species and that a child's brain is four times more sensitive to MSG damage than an adult.
MSG research in 1969 led to MSG being banned from baby foods.
In the 1970's the manufacturers of MSG started to fund their own research through the International Glutamate Technical Committee to defend the safety of MSG. Most scientists consider this research to be flawed. They argue that this research is not peer reviewed and that the methods of testing are often dubious. For example, during research conducted in the 1970's monkeys were fed with MSG in such high amounts that they vomited most of it and so ingested less than in the independent research. The researchers also gave the monkeys an anesthetic which counter-acted the effects of MSG on the brain.
Not a single piece of non-industry funded research has found MSG to be safe.
Where can I find MSG?
MSG is found in most processed foods such as soups, junk food, fast foods. It is found in stocks, flavorings, spices, seasonings, bouillon, canned tuna fish, salad dressings, processed meats, crackers and frozen desserts. Accent is a trade name for MSG seasoning. E621 is used on labels in Europe to signify MSG.
MSG is only listed on the label if it is a separate ingredient in the food. In many cases, MSG is ‘hidden' because it is included as part of the other ingredients on the label.
The following additives always contain MSG:
- Potassium Glutamate
- Hydrolyzed protein
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable protein (HVP)
- Hydrolyzed plant protein
- Hydrolyzed oat flour
- Textured Protein
- Yeast Extract
- Autolyzed Yeast
- Plant protein extract
- Sodium caseinate
- Calcium caseinate.
Hydrolyzed means that the vegetables have been boiled in a vat of sulphuric acid before being neutralized with caustic soda to produce a brown sludge. This sludge is then allowed to dry to a powder which is high in glutamate and other known carcinogens. Finally MSG is usually added.
When HVP is concentrated to 99% glutamic acid, it is known as MSG and must be labeled as MSG. At any concentration less than this the MSG content does not have to be revealed on labels.
MSG section author: Dawn Copeman
Last Updated: 6/27/2005
Monosodium Glutamate Research
|
