• Join Now
  • Locations
Featured

Nutritionist Natalie's Diet Tip of the Week: What Is MSG?

By Barbara Baez @BarbaraMBaez · On November 11, 2011

What is MSG?

MSG stands for monosodium glutamate, which is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid. It is also known as sodium glutamate. Food manufacturers market and use MSG as a flavor enhancer because it balances, blends, and rounds the total perception of other tastes.

How is MSG made?

MSG is made by bacterial fermentation in a process similar to that of wine, vinegar, and yogurt. During fermentation, selected bacteria are cultured with ammonia and carbohydrates from sugar beets, sugar cane, tapioca, or molasses. The bacteria then excretes amino acids into the culture broth, and that is where L-glutamate becomes isolated.

Why is MSG an issue for some individuals?

Reactions to MSG are dependent on the dose. Some people can react to even very small amounts. MSG-induced reactions may occur immediately after ingestion or as much as 48 hours later. The time lapse between ingestion and reaction is typically the same each time for a particular individual who ingests an amount of MSG that exceeds his or her individual tolerance level. Symptoms may include:

  • headache
  • flushing
  • sweating
  • facial pressure or tightness
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the face, neck, and other areas
  • rapid, fluttering heartbeats
  • chest pain
  • nausea
  • weakness

The following foods often contain MSG:

  • Low-fat and fat-free milk products
  • Yogurt, cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese
  • Dairy products containing carrageenan, guar gum, and/or locust bean gum
  • Low-fat and fat-free versions of ice cream and cheese
  • Protein powders containing hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed pea protein, hydrolyzed whey protein, or hydrolyzed corn protein
  • Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are also potential sources of hidden MSG

Information provided by the Truth in Labeling Campaign.

Got a question for Nutritionist Natalie? Email her: natalie@lucilleroberts.com


(Visited 132 time, 1 visit today)
Lucille Robertsmonosodium glutamatemsgNutritionist Natalie
Share Tweet

Barbara Baez

is the Director of Digital Marketing at Lucille Roberts with a B.A. in Journalism and a love for social media. Barbara is a Long Island native, now living in Westchester, who loves strength training and a flexible dieting “IIFYM” approach to staying in shape. Vegetarian, nail polish junkie, and Instagram addict, Barbara loves being a part of the Lucille Roberts fitness family!

You Might Also Like

  • Featured

    Simple ways to improve your health in 2018

  • Featured

    Holiday Gift Guide 2017

  • Featured

    Here’s how you can feel better about yourself + do good for others.

  • Featured

    Simple ways to improve your health in 2018

  • Exercise

    Your Gym Routine is Ruining Your Fitness Progress.

  • Featured

    Holiday Gift Guide 2017

  • Featured

    Here’s how you can feel better about yourself + do good for others.

  • Featured

    Strength in Numbers – POWER OF PINK recap.

Our latest posts

  • Simple ways to improve your health in 2018

    January 3, 2018
  • Your Gym Routine is Ruining Your Fitness Progress.

    December 8, 2017
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017

    December 7, 2017
  • Here’s how you can feel better about yourself + do good for others.

    November 10, 2017
  • Strength in Numbers – POWER OF PINK recap.

    October 31, 2017

Lifestyle

Beauty

FabFitFun Summer Box is the Definition of Sunshine in a Box + Giveaway!

A brightly colored pink box with smile induced emojis all around it. This is only the beginning of what to expect when you get your hands on the ...

On July 25, 2016 / By Alyssa Holder

Your Go-To Tips For an Amazing Prom Night

3 Home Remedies For Winter Skincare

More Posts

Beauty 911: Don’t Have Time To Remove Makeup Before Your Lunchtime Workout?

On June 2, 2015

Why You Should Be Taking an Epsom Salt Bath

On April 6, 2015

Beauty 911: Apply Too Much Bronzer?

On March 17, 2015

Beauty 911: Try This Alternative To Dry Shampoo!

On March 10, 2015

What To Wear Under Your Workout Gear

On February 19, 2015

Fitness

Exercise

Your Activewear for the Warmer & Brighter Months

Summer is basically here and it is about time to switch out your activewear to match the season. Unless you have no issues with exercising in the sweltering ...

On June 21, 2017 / By Alyssa Holder

Schwinn Shares; How to Switch Up Your Workouts

Schwinn® Shares How to Keep Your Fitness Routine Fresh for Every Season

More Posts

Meet Anaflore; Strong Mother, Gastric Sleeve Surgery Patient & Our Next Winner of Our One Year Personal Training Giveaway!

On April 13, 2017

Benefits of Using the Treadmill and Elliptical Machines

On April 5, 2017

3 Kickboxing Moves to Burn Belly Fat

On March 10, 2017

Buddy Up With These Body Weight Only Workouts – No Equipment Necessary!

On March 7, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Insanity

On February 1, 2017
  • About Lucille Roberts
  • contact us

© 2018 Town Sports International. All rights reserved.