MSG (monosodium glutamate) Part II

What products contain MSG?

MSG is used on poor-quality food to enhance flavor. It is found in many dressings and sauces and is added to most infant formulas. Soy formulas, Isolated Soy Protein and Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) in particular are loaded with MSG. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein contains up to 40 percent MSG. MSG is also found in cheese, ice cream, beverages, medications, frozen meals, cookies and candies, IV materials, “Cream of…” soups and other canned soups, pre-packaged “dinner in a box” types and rice mixes. When eating out, beware of fast food sandwiches, as well as Chinese foods. At some Chinese restaurants, you can ask for “no MSG.”

These ALWAYS contain MSG: glutamate, monosodium glutamate, monopotassium glutamate, glutamic acid, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, gelatin, textured protein, hydrolyzed protein (any protein that is hydrolyzed), plant protein extract, yeast extract, yeast food, autolyzed yeast, yeast nutrient.

These OFTEN contain MSG/excitotoxins or create MSG during processing: flavor(s) and flavoring(s), natural flavor(s) and flavoring(s), natural pork flavoring, bouillon, natural beef flavoring, stock, natural chicken flavoring, broth, malt flavoring, barley malt, malt extract, soy sauce, soy sauce extract, soy protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, pectin, whey protein, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, anything protein-fortified, anything fermented.

Researcher Hiroshi Ohguro conducted a study on the relationship between MSG consumption and retinal damage. In the study, rats were fed three different diets for six months. The diets consisted of either high or moderate amounts of MSG, or none.

The rats on the high-MSG diet experienced thinning of retinal nerve layers by as much as 75 percent! Further testing that measured retinal response to light showed they could not see as well. The rats on the moderate diet also experienced retinal damage, although to a lesser extent.

The researchers found high concentrations of MSG in the vitreous fluid, which bathes the retina. The MSG is able to bind to receptors on the retinal cells and destroy them, causing secondary reactions that reduce the ability of the remaining cells to relay signals.

If you would be interested in knowing more about a specific area or approach in natural health or nutrition, send me an e-mail at [email protected]. I’m open to your suggestions on topics of interest. See this article with references at http://www.thevillagenews.com.

1. This article is for educational purposes only and contains information that is the opinion of the columnist.

2. Your individual health status and any required health care treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional of your choice.