Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Definition
The sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally found in some foods. In its industrial form, it is manufactured through bacterial fermentation of starch or sugar and used as a flavor enhancer to amplify umami taste.
Why It Matters
MSG is classified as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) by the FDA, but a subset of the population reports sensitivity symptoms including headaches, flushing, and heart palpitations (sometimes called 'Chinese Restaurant Syndrome'). As an excitotoxin, glutamate can overstimulate nerve cells. More practically, MSG makes ultra-processed foods hyper-palatable, encouraging overconsumption.
Commonly Found In
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Related Terms
Natural Flavors
CautionAccording to the FDA (21 CFR 101.22), 'natural flavor' is any flavoring derived from a plant or animal source — including fruits, vegetables, herbs, bark, roots, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, or dairy — through heating, distillation, or fermentation. A single 'natural flavor' listing can contain dozens of individual chemical compounds, solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
Maltodextrin
CautionA highly processed white powder made from corn, rice, potato, or wheat starch. Despite being classified as a complex carbohydrate, it is broken down so aggressively during processing that its glycemic index (GI 85-105) often exceeds that of table sugar (GI 65).