How to Avoid MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that can cause adverse effects, including migraine headaches, nausea and certain forms of glaucoma. Read labels carefully to check for ingredients that may contain MSG.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Telephones

1. Ask the servers at your favorite restaurants to have the chef omit MSG from your meal.

2. Avoid these food additives, which always contain MSG: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed plant protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein, autolyzed yeast and hydrolyzed oat flour.

3. Look for the following additives, which frequently contain MSG: malt extract, malt flavoring, bouillon, broth stock, flavoring, natural flavoring, natural beef or chicken flavoring, seasoning and spices.

4. Be wary of these additives, which may contain MSG: carrageenan, enzymes, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and whey protein isolate.

5. Contact the distributors of foods containing the above additives to see whether they contain MSG.

Tips & Warnings

• MSG is frequently found in all kinds of restaurants.

• MSG is used in thousands of packaged foods, including many so-called health foods. Packaged foods designed for children tend to be especially high in MSG.

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.