The effect of

Monosodium Glutamate
(MSG): The Cause of
Chinese Restaurant
Syndrome
Chinese food has been one of the most popular food choices for not only Chinese people, but
also foreigners worldwide. Unfortunately, recent studies have brought a let down to the society
about the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in food. The use of MSG has been drastically
increasing over the past few decades with 4,500 kilo tons of MSG purchased in 2014. It has
been estimated that 5,850 kilo tons of MSG to be sold in 2020 (Referring to Graph 1). The
overuse of MSG in Chinese takeout has made numerous disadvantages to the society, one of
them includes the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.

Graph 2: World Consumption of

Graph 1: Monosodium Glutamate Market
Monosodium Glutamate - 2009
Graph showing the amount of MSG purchased yearly
Taken from: Store, Market Research. (2015) Global Chart showing the amount of MSG used in
Monosodium Glutamate Market Set for Rapid Growth, To countries.
Reach Around USD 5,850.0 Million by 2020. [ONLINE] Taken from: Anonymous. (2010)
Available at: Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).
http://www.marketresearchstore.com/news/global- [ONLINE] Available at:
monosodium-glutamate-market-137 [Accessed 30 May http://archive.is/3sDuO [Accessed 30 May
2018] 2018]

Chinese Restaurant Syndrome is a term first used in 1968 in people who experienced health
symptoms including throbbing of the head, lightheadedness, headache, burning sensations on
certain parts of the body and much more, after consuming Chinese food that was predicted to
contain large quantities of monosodium glutamate (MSG) [1]. Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
is a flavor enhancer used in most food especially Chinese food, canned products, and processed
meats [2]. More than half of the monosodium glutamate consumption in 2009 comes from China
(Referring to Graph 2), this proves that Chinese food contains the most amount of MSG.
Because of the overuse of MSG, more people are currently experiencing symptoms of Chinese
Restaurant Syndrome. With more people experiencing the symptoms, it can gradually damage
one's health, which could cause major depletion of the world's population in the future.

Over the years, there are numerous reports of adverse reactions after consuming food
containing MSG. However, researchers have found out no clear evidence a link between MSG
and the symptoms experienced [3].

1
MedicineNet. 2016. Definition of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15584. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
2
Zeratsky, Katherine. 2018. What is MSG? Is it bad for you?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
3
Zeratsky, Katherine. 2018. What is MSG? Is it bad for you?. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
The production of MSG all starts from the of products high in sugar content, most commonly
used is sugar cane. The production of MSG goes through the basic process of fermentation,
which is a process in which fermentative microorganisms are used. Sugar canes are firstly
converted into glucose, which could be done by extracting the liquid from the sugar cane. Then,
it will be sent a fermentation tank where microorganisms will be added into it and take in the
glucose as their source of food. In return, the microorganisms will release glutamic acid, which
will be turned into MSG solution through the process named as neutralization. Before the
solution is turned into crystals, the solution has to go through multiple purification steps
including decolorization and filtration in order to produce pure MSG solution. After that, the
pure MSG solution will be crystallized using an evaporator to change the form into crystals
and will be filtrated from the solution. Lastly, the crystals should then be dried out for a couple
of hours before being used [4]. (The Procedure refers to Figure 1)

Figure 1: Production of Monosodium Glutamate by Fermentation

Figure showing the process on how to make monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Taken from: Anonymous. Manufacturing Process. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://monosodiumglumate.weebly.com/manufacturing-process.html

The ability to enhance the flavor of food is definitely one of the reasons why people love to
use MSG when cooking. The use of MSG when cooking also help reduces the use of other
seasonings high in sodium, such as salt. It has been estimated that cooks who use MSG in
cooking are able to reduce the amount of salt used by 40 %. With the use of MSG, salt could
be excluded from a recipe, causing the amount of sodium in a dish to decrease [5].

A study was done in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which they concluded that
MSG is actually safe to be consumed and could help maintain body weight. This is because

4
Anonymous. Manufacturing Process. [ONLINE] Available at: https://monosodiumglumate.weebly.com/manufacturing-
process.html
5
Lisa Sefcik. 2017. Monosodium Glutamate Benefits. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.livestrong.com/article/495019-
monosodium-glutamate-benefits/. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
 results have shown that MSG helps increase appetite but also help one to feel full easily.
Another study was done that involved approximately 1,000 fit adults, in which they had to
consume MSG daily to discover the correlation between MSG and hyperglycemia. (Study
conducted by Steve Kim, MD, one of the past medical advisors in Healthline) The results have
proven that a greater intake of MSG daily could help lower the risk of hyperglycemia. This has
proven that MSG is safe to be consumed in general [6].

However, all advantages will always come with several disadvantages that might be
experienced after consuming MSG. Although MSG is considered safe to be consumed by
multiple sources who have done studies on it, there are still people who are experiencing
symptoms approximately 15 minutes after consuming, this includes burning sensations on the
head, neck and mouth, weakened arms and legs, upset stomach and so much more. There are
also other serious symptoms including allergic-type reactions of the skin, although multiple
sources have not found any link between MSG and the symptoms that have occurred (Study
conducted by Metcalfe, Author of PureHealthMD). A double blind study was done in which
two people are involved who are not aware of being tested. The results have shown that the
consumption of MSG triggers muscle tightness, numbness, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
Another study was also conducted with the use of mice. The study done concluded that the
injections of MSG produced obesity, and multiple other hormone fluctuations. This has proven
that MSG could also be dangerous although it only occurs in some people's body (Study
conducted by Yang, Editor of PureHealthMD) [7].

Another disadvantage includes not only causing symptoms, but

also damage to the body organs. One study conducted by
Ohguro, one of the authors of PureHealthMD, involved animals
who were exposed to MSG for about approximately 3-6
months. The results have shown that animals experienced
damage to the retinas of the eyes although the changes were not
seen immediately. This can be concluded that there are multiple
potential long-term effects related to the amount the
consumption of MSG [8].

MSG does not only bring negative long-term effects to one's

health, but the production of MSG damages the environment
Figure 2: Figure showing the result of gradually. It was said that the waste produced during the
ammonia toxicity in the soil causing production of MSG is toxic and affects the growth ability of
the tree to change its color. plants when absorbed. This is because waste produced are
Taken from: CANNA. How the
thrown into the water that will flow underground, at the
Ammonium-nitrate ratio affects your
plant. [ONLINE] Available at: same time plants will absorb the water. The toxicity of the
http://www.cannagardening.com/how wastewater would cause crop failures including the change
_ammonium_nitrate_ratio_affects_yo in color of the plant and causing them to stop growing, which
ur_plants. [Last Accessed: 1 June could then affect the economic factors (Referring to Figure
2018)
2). A research was done regarding with the manufacturing

6
Healthline. 2017. Diabetes and MSG: What You Need to Know. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/msg-what-you-need-to-know#msg-pros. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
7
Editors of PureHealthMD. 2017. The Dangers of Monosodium Glutamate. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-dangers-of-monosodium-glutamate.htm. [Accessed 1
June 2018].
8
Editors of PureHealthMD. 2017. The Dangers of Monosodium Glutamate. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-dangers-of-monosodium-glutamate.htm. [Accessed 1
June 2018].
of MSG and the waste produced during the process. It was discovered that MSG manufacturing
companies releases ammonia into the earth's atmosphere. The release of ammonia into the
earth's atmosphere could cause health problems to humans including breathing problems [9].

Economically, the selling of MSG has brought a positive impact towards a certain country,
although there were rumors emerging upon the dangers of MSG. Despite all the rumors, the
demand of MSG worldwide is still high, with approximately 1.1 million tons [10], this could be
the reason why the FDA refuses to restrict the use of MSG in food, which is because the sale
of MSG is a big business and is influential when it comes to a certain country's economic
growth.

Nowadays, more people are experiencing the side effects caused by consuming of MSG daily.
Although the side effects are not explicitly shown, it could certainly damage the body
gradually. Because of that, we should be aware of what we consume everyday. I believe that
MSG could still be used in food, but the intake of MSG daily should be reduced. There are
many ways in which MSG could be substituted, this includes the use of dried spices, herbs,
and so much more. By substituting MSG with healthier options, there is no doubt that the
amount of people experiencing Chinese Restaurant Syndrome would decrease. The coming
years, scientists should discover or invent a new substance that is healthier, which can be used
as a substitute for MSG. By doing that, everyone would be able to eat tasty dishes without
having to worry the side effects it could cause.

Glossary (all definitions have been obtained from Oxford dictionary)

monosodium glutamate (MSG) - the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant
naturally occurring non-essential amino acids.
Chinese restaurant syndrome - Chinese restaurant syndrome is an outdated term coined in
the 1960s. It refers to a group of symptoms some people experience after eating food from a
Chinese restaurant.
symptoms - a physical or mental feature that is regarded as indicating a condition of disease,
particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient.
fermentation - the chemical breakdown of a substance by bacteria, yeasts, or other
microorganisms, typically involving effervescence and the giving off of heat.
fermentative microorganisms - living things used during the process of fermentation
glucose - a simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a
component of many carbohydrates.
fermentation tank - a place in which the fermentation process happens
microorganisms - a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus.
glutamic acid - an acidic amino acid that is a constituent of many proteins.
neutralization - a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base react quantitatively with
each other
decolorization - process to remove color from
filtration - the action or process of filtering something.
crystallized - form or cause to form crystals
evaporator - a device in a process used to turn the liquid form of a chemical substance such
as water into its gaseous-form/vapor.

9
Mickelder Kercy, MD. 2015. Monosodium Glutamate: Health & Environmental Hazards. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.ayisyenansante.com/blog/monosodium-glutamate-health-environmental-hazards1. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
10
Gregory Johnson. 2008. Monosodium Glutamate MSG Health Dangers and Side Effects of Toxic Additives and
Excitotoxins. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.resourcesforlife.com/docs/item1225. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
hyperglycemia - an excess of glucose in the bloodstream, often associated with diabetes
mellitus.
hormone fluctuations - occurs when you have too much or too little of a certain hormone.
ammonia - a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It dissolves in water to give a
strongly alkaline solution.
FDA - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) is a federal agency of the United
States Department of Health and Human Services, one of the United States federal executive
departments.

Bibliography
• MedicineNet. 2016. Definition of Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. [ONLINE]
Available at: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=15584.
[Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Zeratsky, Katherine. 2018. What is MSG? Is it bad for you?. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-
answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Zeratsky, Katherine. 2018. What is MSG? Is it bad for you?. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-
answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Anonymous. Manufacturing Process. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://monosodiumglumate.weebly.com/manufacturing-process.html
• Lisa Sefcik. 2017. Monosodium Glutamate Benefits. [ONLINE] Available at:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/495019-monosodium-glutamate-benefits/.
[Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Healthline. 2017. Diabetes and MSG: What You Need to Know. [ONLINE] Available
at: https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/msg-what-you-need-to-know#msg-
pros. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Editors of PureHealthMD. 2017. The Dangers of Monosodium Glutamate. [ONLINE]
Available at: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-
dangers-of-monosodium-glutamate.htm. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Editors of PureHealthMD. 2017. The Dangers of Monosodium Glutamate. [ONLINE]
Available at: https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-
dangers-of-monosodium-glutamate.htm. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Mickelder Kercy, MD. 2015. Monosodium Glutamate: Health & Environmental
Hazards. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.ayisyenansante.com/blog/monosodium-glutamate-health-environmental-
hazards1. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
• Gregory Johnson. 2008. Monosodium Glutamate MSG Health Dangers and Side
Effects of Toxic Additives and Excitotoxins. [ONLINE] Available at:
http://www.resourcesforlife.com/docs/item1225. [Accessed 1 June 2018].
Guiding Questions
Topic Chosen:
Problem: Overuse of Monosodium Glutamate in Food (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome)
Introduction
• What is monosodium glutamate and the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome? (introduce
and summarize)
• Why should MSG be substituted by another substance in order to solve the problem?
• Explain briefly how MSG is used daily, and why could it cause the problem?

Main Body
• Describe in detail the process of making MSG and include evidence.
• How is science used to address MSG?
• Identify and analyze the pros and cons of using MSG.
• What are the implications of using MSG that can cause Chinese Restaurant
Syndrome? (2 factors)
• How should we behave to reduce the risks that can be caused by MSG?

Conclusion
• Assess and evaluate the impacts of the use MSG based on whether or not it might
endanger one’s health.
• Evaluate how the use of MSG in food have affected the society and share your
personal opinion on whether MSG should be used in the future.
• To what extend do you agree or disagree with the use of MSG in food?