From the Research
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be harmful to human health, particularly when consumed in high doses and over prolonged periods, as it has been associated with various adverse health effects, including obesity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2025, found that high doses and repeated exposure to MSG are associated with several health problems, including embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, obesity, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, kidney toxicity, neurotoxicity, endothelial dysfunction, reproductive toxicities, alteration of lipid, and glucose metabolism 1.
Key Findings
- MSG is generally considered safe at low doses, but high doses and repeated exposure can lead to adverse health effects
- The mechanism by which MSG induces obesity involves induction of hypothalamic lesion, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, leptin resistance, and increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) Gamma and Alpha 2
- MSG consumption has also been linked to the development and progression of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, through mechanisms including decreased pancreatic beta cell mass, increased oxidative stress, and metabolic rates, reduced glucose and insulin transport to adipose tissue and skeletal muscles, insulin insensitivity, reduced insulin receptors, and induced severe hyperinsulinemia 2
- Some individuals may experience temporary symptoms like headaches or flushing after consuming large amounts of MSG on an empty stomach, a condition sometimes called "MSG symptom complex" or "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" 3, 4
Recommendations
- Moderation is advisable when consuming MSG, as high doses and repeated exposure can lead to adverse health effects
- Individuals who experience negative reactions to MSG should avoid consuming it or limit their intake to small amounts
- Further clinical and epidemiological studies are needed to fully understand the effects of MSG on human health, particularly in relation to chronic exposure and metabolic disorders 5