Asthma & MSG

Does your asthma worsen after taking Monosodium glutamate or MSG? Severe and poorly controlled asthmatics are potentially at risk for worsening asthma after ingesting MSG.

What Is MSG?

MSG is a flavor enhancer that, while itself has no taste, makes a number of different foods taste better. It is found in a in a variety of food products like Chinese food, soups, canned vegetables, and processed meats. MSG is sold as a white crystalline substance that resembles salt or sugar.

The MSG Symptom Complex

In 1992 the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) reported that severe and poorly controlled asthmatics were at increased risk of developing the MSG symptom complex. The FASEB was appointed to investigate the link between MSG and numerous adverse events reported to the FDA. They concluded that asthmatics were one of 2 groups that were potentially affected adversely by MSG and were at risk for suffering from the MSG symptom complex.

The The MSG symptom complex includes such symptoms as:

• numbness
• burning sensation
• tingling
• facial pressure or tightness
• chest tightness
• headache
• nausea
• rapid heartbeat
• drowsiness
• weakness
• difficulty breathing

Does MSG affect your asthma? Why not go to the forum and discuss the effect of MSG on your asthma.