MSG: Facts vs beliefs

1. "MSG is manufactured… under hygienic conditions."
Hygiene is not the point. If I manufacture arsenic under hygienic conditions, does that make it less poisonous?

2. "MSG is unlikely to cause gastro-enteritis".
"Unlikely" means that the chances are low, not that it cannot happen. Although gastro-enteritis is most often caused by bacteria and viruses, a quick research tells me that other possible causes include food allergies and improper diet.

3. "MSG has been approved for human consumption by various authorities…"
Cigarettes and many other harmful / controversial food substances, such as artificial sweeteners, have been similarly approved. It's a mistake to think that just because something is approved, it must be safe.

4. "MSG is safe when consumed as part of our food."
Is it safe to develop symptoms such as muscle tightness / numbness, flushing, shortness of breath and heart palpitations? Have there been scientific studies on the long term effects of taking MSG?

5. "Many studies… have also failed to link MSG to allergies."
When scientists cannot find a link, it does not mean that a link does not exist. It could well mean that scientists had not looked hard enough, or were not able to understand the complex biochemical processes.

6. "Regardless of its sources, whether it is in food, in the body or as MSG, glutamate is the same."
This is not a fact. It is merely a belief, albeit a widely held one, similar to the belief that, for example, vitamin C made in a factory is the same as vitamin C found naturally in fruits.

But the fact is this: Some people, myself included, experience uncomfortable symptoms when they eat food containing MSG, but not when they eat foods that naturally contain glutamates.

When facts contradict our beliefs, we should re-examine our beliefs. What the Ajinomoto PR did, however, was to use a belief to dismiss a fact.

More chemicals?

Still on the subject, we now have Dr Philip Lee Fook Seng supporting the recommendation that we drink Coke or 7-Up to counter the effects of MSG. ("Having an 'MSG attack'? Reach out for a Coke or 7-Up."; ST 26 May)

Anecdotal evidence does suggest that it works. But is it wise to counter MSG, a chemical additive, with lots more chemical additives – plus loads of sugar – in carbonated drinks?

My recommendation is umeboshi, or Japanese pickled sour plum. It is just as effective and it imparts so many other health benefits that the Japanese say, "An umeboshi a day keeps 100 illnesses away." Do an internet search to learn more about umeboshi.

Organic food stores (I used to own one, but no longer) sell umeboshi plum balls that can be conveniently carried in the pocket or handbag. Just pop a few after a Chinese restaurant or hawker centre meal.

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