From the Guidelines
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is not considered carcinogenic based on current scientific evidence. The provided study 1 discusses various agents that were reevaluated for their carcinogenic potential by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), but MSG is not mentioned among them. This suggests that, as of the latest research recommendations and evaluations, there is no significant evidence linking MSG to cancer. Extensive research and evaluations by major food safety authorities worldwide have consistently found no link between MSG consumption and cancer development. MSG is simply the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. The body metabolizes MSG the same way it processes naturally occurring glutamate in foods. While some individuals may experience short-term sensitivity reactions to MSG, these symptoms are temporary and not related to cancer risk. The controversy around MSG largely stems from historical misconceptions and has been perpetuated despite scientific evidence to the contrary. You can consume foods containing MSG as part of a normal diet without concerns about increased cancer risk, though as with any food additive, moderation is always a sensible approach.
Key points to consider:
- MSG is not listed among the agents reevaluated for carcinogenic potential in the provided study 1.
- Major food safety authorities have found no link between MSG consumption and cancer development.
- MSG is naturally occurring in many foods and is metabolized by the body in the same way as naturally occurring glutamate.
- Short-term sensitivity reactions to MSG are not related to cancer risk.
- Moderation in consumption of any food additive, including MSG, is recommended.
From the Research
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Cancer
- The relationship between MSG consumption and cancer development is a topic of ongoing debate, with some studies suggesting a potential link between the two 2, 3.
- A 2023 study published in Heliyon found that MSG consumption may contribute to the development and progression of metabolic disorders, including obesity, which is a risk factor for cancer initiation 2.
- Another study published in 2019 in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety found that preclinical studies have associated MSG administration with cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and premalignant alterations, along with behavioral changes 3.
- However, the same study noted that these findings have limited relevance for extrapolation to dietary human intakes of MSG risk exposure due to methodological flaws 3.
MSG Consumption and Metabolic Disorders
- MSG consumption has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension 2, 4.
- A 2024 study published in PLoS ONE found that MSG consumption correlates with urinary metabolites in a rat model, which could be used to estimate daily MSG intake 4.
- Another study published in 2024 in Food Science & Nutrition found that excessive consumption of MSG can cause cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes, kidney damage, hypertension, anxiety, and memory impairment 5.
Regulatory Status of MSG
- MSG is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by food safety regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration 6.
- The Turkish Food Codex sets a maximum permissible amount of MSG in foods at 10 g/kg 5.
- Despite the controversy surrounding MSG's safety, its global consumption remains high, with Asia accounting for over three-quarters of world MSG consumption 2.