Ajinomoto is what we see as the common brand for monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is used to enhance flavour in many foods we eat and which we recognise as the umami taste. MSG is a main player in Asian cuisine, packaged goods, sauces, soups and snack foods. Although it is said that it is safe for most people to enjoy in moderate amounts, some people do report having had temporary side effects after eating large quantities of it or very concentrated doses.
Comprehending what MSG is, how it affects you upon consumption and which people should be careful of it may help in making healthy food choices.
What Is Ajinomoto?
Ajinomoto is what we know as monosodium glutamate, a sodium salt of glutamic acid, which is an amino acid present in large amounts in natural foods. It is also used to improve the savoury taste of food without, at the same time, raising its calorie content.
In the early 20th century, Ajinomoto Group put out MSG to the Japanese market, and since then the brand has greatly associated itself with MSG in many countries.
MSG is present in foods like tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms; in terms of added MSG, it is a common ingredient in restaurant foods, seasoning mixes, instant noodles, sauces and processed foods.
Common Side Effects of Ajinomoto
Most people don’t have negative effects from MSG. However, some report short-term symptoms, especially after eating large amounts. These may include:
Headache
Nausea
Flushing
Sweating
Facial pressure or tightness
Tingling or numbness
Palpitations
Dizziness
Weakness
Abdominal discomfort
Bloating
Dry mouth
Increased thirst
These reactions, which at times present as a whole, are what we term the MSG symptom complex. Symptoms reported are for the most part short-lived and can also vary from person to person.
Serious Side Effects and When to Get Help.
Severe health issues from use of foods that contain MSG are rare. As for symptoms like difficulty in breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe dizziness or loss of consciousness, seek medical help right away, as they may be signs of a serious allergic reaction or some other medical emergency.
It is also noted that we can distinguish between a food allergy and what is a sensitivity or intolerance issue. MSG, in fact, is not widely known to cause food allergies.
Long-Term Effects of Ajinomoto
There is a great deal of discussion around the issue of health effects which may present themselves in the long term from MSG. It is put forth that large amounts of MSG cause weight gain, metabolic issues, high blood pressure, nerve-related health issues and also other chronic diseases.
However, care in interpretation is required. We do not have proof that routine intake of MSG causes diseases like brain damage, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer or heart disease.
One issue is that MSG is a source of sodium. In that regard, people who eat great amounts of prepared or restaurant foods may thus have high total sodium intake, which in turn will depend on what else they eat. Also, large sodium intake may put some at risk for high blood pressure.
Ajinomoto and Specific Organs
Ajinomoto and the Liver
The liver processes many ingredients which we absorb from what we eat, including those from MSG. What we see at present as MSG’s damage to the liver is mostly from lab research and reports of very high exposure. It is important to note that, although these studies are reported, we do not have proof that regular dietary exposure to MSG damages the human liver.
People who have been diagnosed with liver disease should follow the advice of their health care provider.
Ajinomoto and the Kidneys
MSG adds sodium to our diet, which in turn may play a role for people with certain kidney issues or blood pressure problems. Also, it has not been proven that regular MSG consumption is a cause of kidney disease or kidney stones.
People who have kidney disease may need to watch their total sodium intake as directed by a health care provider or dietician.
Ajinomoto and the Heart
Some people report that they experience short-term palpitations, flushing and headaches after they have very large doses of MSG, but to this point, MSG has not been proven to be a direct cause of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms.
MSG being a sodium source, the total sodium intake is what really plays into long-term blood pressure issues.
Ajinomoto and the Stomach
Some people report that they feel nauseous, bloated or have stomach discomfort after they eat large amounts of MSG. If you notice that you are having these issues after eating certain foods, keep a food diary and talk to your health care provider, which may in turn help in identifying what is setting off the reaction.
Ajinomoto and the Brain and Nerves.
Headache, tingling, and other transient symptoms have been reported by some people to experience after MSG intake. However, we do not see that a normal diet which includes MSG causes brain damage or neurodegenerative disease.
Ajinomoto Side Effects in Different Groups
Individual response to MSG may differ according to diet, health and genetic sensitivity. People who report symptoms after the intake of foods which contain MSG may choose to reduce their intake and report their symptoms to a health care professional.
Ajinomoto Side Effects in Children
Children include in their diet packaged snacks, instant meals, sauces and restaurant foods which may have MSG. Also, instead of zeroing in only on MSG, what parents should do is look at the total nutrition profile and sodium content of what their kids are eating.
Persistent head pain, digestive issues or any other atypical reactions should be reported to a paediatrician.
Ajinomoto in Older Adults
In seniors, medical issues and certain drugs may require diet changes, particularly regarding the sodium aspect. Also, people with high blood pressure, kidney disease and other chronic health issues should follow personalised medical diet advice.
Ajinomoto During Pregnancy
MSG is present in many foods and is for the most part safe at normal dietary intake. However, pregnant women should pay attention to a balanced diet and moderate use of very processed foods. Also, if you are having health issues or are on a medical diet which restricts certain foods — do see your health care provider.
How to Manage Possible Ajinomoto Reactions
If you are sensitive to MSG, the following may help:
Track down which foods cause issues.
Check food labels for added MSG.
Reduce consumption of heavily processed foods.
Choose whole foods.
Use herbs and spices for flavour.
Be mindful of overall sodium intake.
Maintain a balanced and varied diet.
Avoid at once very large doses of MSG.
Discuss your ongoing health issues with a doctor.
Seek prompt medical care for serious breathing issues, swelling or other emergency symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Ajinomoto, which is also known as MSG, is a very common flavour enhancer which we put in our food to improve the umami taste. While for the most part it is safe for the great majority of people, some report that they have had transient issues like headaches, flushing, sweating, tingling, nausea or abdominal pain, which tend to present themselves more when large amounts are consumed.
Many reports of severe long-term effects from MSG do not present reliable human evidence. Instead of assuming that MSG is the cause of every reported issue, we should look at the full diet, sodium intake, portion size and individual health issues.
Conclusion
Ajinomoto, what is more commonly known as MSG, is an ingredient used to improve food flavour. While some report short-term symptoms after large-scale consumption, most people do fine with MSG at typical dietary levels.
Serious conditions like brain damage, liver damage, kidney disease or cardiovascular disease do not present as results of ordinary MSG intake. Some individuals who report symptoms after eating MSG in their food may keep a food diary and consult an expert to identify what may be causing the issue.
Ajinomoto Side Effects FAQs
What is Ajinomoto used for?
Ajinomoto is what we know as MSG, which is mainly used to enhance flavour to a savoury or umami note in food.
Can Ajinomoto cause headaches?
Some reports of people getting headaches from large doses of MSG. If you have recurring headaches after certain foods, keep a food diary and see a health care professional if the issue persists.
Can Ajinomoto cause an allergic reaction?
MSG is out of the ordinary in that it is not usually a known food allergen. That said, we do see that some folks react to it in certain ways, which may be from combined issues within their diet. Very serious symptoms like having trouble breathing or swelling should be checked out by a medical professional immediately.
Is Ajinomoto safe for everyone?
Most people put up with MSG well in normal diet amounts. People who have certain health issues or are concerned about their sodium intake should follow what their health care professional says.
How do I reduce my intake of Ajinomoto?
Read food labels, reduce intake of highly processed foods and instead choose fresh options, which may reduce added MSG in the diet. Also use herbs, spices and other flavouring ingredients as an option to add taste.
Are there alternatives to Ajinomoto?
Yes. Herbs, spices, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, tomatoes and other naturally flavoured ingredients may be used to add depth and savour to your dishes.
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational and health-related information. Do not look at it as medical advice or a substitute for what a qualified health care professional may provide. Also note that responses to food ingredients can be different from person to person. If you notice persistent, severe, or atypical symptoms after having MSG or any other food ingredient, seek out appropriate medical attention.
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