Monosodium glutamate is a common additive used in Chinese restaurants, but it also has numerous other names and it’s added to a variety of foods you have no idea of.
This is because it goes under a lot of different names and it’s hidden in a lot of ingredients.
More than 40 distinct food ingredients were found to contain this chemical known as MSG. And, it may lead to reactions in sensitive individuals that may be mild or serious.
MSG is more than a simple seasoning. This is a flavor enhancer that is added to frozen foods like frozen meat to better their smell and optimize the taste.
It’s also included in processed meats, salad dressings, and canned foods. Below, check out a list of ingredients that could contain MSG.
This list has been assembled for more than two decades from reports of consumers on their side effects as well as information given by food technologists and manufacturers of food and food products.
Which Ingredients Always Have Processed Free Glutamic Acid?
- Monosodium glutamate -E 621
- Glutamic acid- E 620 or Glutamate – E 620
- Calcium glutamate- E 623
- Monopotassium glutamate- E 622
- Magnesium glutamate – E 625
- Monoammonium glutamate- E 624
- Yeast extract
- Natrium glutamate
- Torula yeast
- Yeast food, yeast nutrients, nutritional yeast
- Anything that’s hydrolyzed
- Calcium and sodium caseinate
- Autolyzed yeast extract
- Gelatin
- Soy protein and soy protein concentrate
- Soy protein isolate
- Textured protein
- Whey protein and whey protein isolate
- Protein-fortified
- Vetsin
- Umami
Ingredients that often have or produce free glutamic acid:
- Stock
- Bouillon
- Broth
- Carrageenan E 407
- Natural flavors and flavorings
- Maltodextrin
- Citric acid or citrate (E330)
- Pectin
- Barley malt
- Protease
- Anything with enzymes
- Malt extract
- Soy sauce and soy sauce extract
- Protein-fortified foods
The glutamic acid in an unadulterated protein isn’t linked with serious reactions. They need to be processed or come from fermented protein to cause adverse effects.
Below are the suspected ingredients with processed free glutamic acid:
- Dextrose
- Corn starch
- Corn syrup
- Modified food starch
- Rice syrup
- Lipolyzed butter fat
- Milk powder
- Brown rice syrup
- Milk with reduced fat
- Most foods with low or zero fat
- Anything enriched with vitamins and anything enriched
What Are the Possible Side Effects & Reactions of Consuming Processed Glutamic Acid?
- Headaches
- Swollen face
- Asthma
- Heart attacks
- Tachycardia
- Swollen joints
- Tight chest
- Obesity
- Joint ache
- Female sterility
The Link of MSG with Obesity
Several studies have associated MSG and obesity and kids are the most susceptible. According to the Ukranian National Academy of Sciences, MSG that was given to newborn mice caused a weight gain of 7.9 percent.
It’s also linked with a higher BMI and fat mass, as well as higher levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and bad cholesterol.
Other studies have found that the exposure of pregnant mothers to MSG increases the chance of behavioral changes, convulsions, and obesity in the child.
Higher body fat, weight, and obesity from exposure to MSG may also happen in adults who’re exposed to it.
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