From the Guidelines
Artificial Ingredients and Autoimmune Reactions
Consumption of certain artificial ingredients commonly found in Chinese food, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and tartrazine, has been linked to triggering autoimmune reactions in susceptible individuals 1. Specifically, MSG has been shown to induce an immune response in some people, potentially exacerbating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, with symptoms manifesting within 24-48 hours of ingestion.
Key Findings
- Nonimmune, host-independent food intolerances involve chemicals with pharmacological activity in food that affect sensitized individuals, including salicylates, vasoactive amines (e.g., histamine), glutamates (e.g., monosodium glutamate), and caffeine 1.
- A nourishing, balanced diet that is low in inflammatory foods can strengthen an immune system, with the Mediterranean diet being linked to reduced levels of inflammation and a lower chance of developing chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease 1.
- Dietary components, such as prebiotics and probiotics, have regulatory effects on people with inflammatory diseases, and can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce gastrointestinal inflammation 1.
Management and Prevention
In severe cases, medications like prednisone (20-50mg daily for 5-7 days) may be prescribed to manage the autoimmune response, although avoidance of trigger ingredients is the primary recommended course of action. A healthy and diverse gut microbiota can be promoted through dietary therapy, which may help to shorten the course of some illnesses and diminish symptoms 1.
From the Research
Artificial Ingredients in Chinese Food and Autoimmune Reactions
- The relationship between artificial ingredients in Chinese food and autoimmune reactions is a complex one, with various studies investigating the effects of specific additives on the immune system 2, 3.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common additive in Chinese food, has been shown to cause immunosuppression by disrupting redox equilibrium and inducing oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation and immunopathologies 2.
- However, quercetin, a natural compound with antioxidant properties, has been found to counteract the immunosuppressive effects of MSG by modulating redox-guided cellular signaling and reducing oxidative stress 2.
- Other studies have investigated the prevalence of adverse reactions to food additives, including MSG, and found that while the prevalence is low, high-risk patients should be aware of the potential for severe reactions and take steps to manage them 3.
- The effect of MSG on the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of food has also been studied, with results showing that MSG can enhance the umami taste and saltiness of food, while suppressing sourness and bitterness 4.
- Additionally, research has explored the impact of MSG on appetite regulation and energy intake, with one study finding no effect of MSG on subjective appetite and subsequent energy intake in children of different ethnicities 5.
- Furthermore, a perspective piece has proposed that maternal dietary MSG consumption may impact pre- and peri-implantation embryos and their subsequent development, potentially leading to undesirable conditions such as metabolic syndrome in adults 6.
Key Findings
- MSG can cause immunosuppression and oxidative stress, leading to chronic inflammation and immunopathologies 2.
- Quercetin can counteract the immunosuppressive effects of MSG by modulating redox-guided cellular signaling and reducing oxidative stress 2.
- The prevalence of adverse reactions to food additives, including MSG, is low, but high-risk patients should be aware of the potential for severe reactions 3.
- MSG can enhance the umami taste and saltiness of food, while suppressing sourness and bitterness 4.
- MSG has no effect on subjective appetite and subsequent energy intake in children of different ethnicities 5.
- Maternal dietary MSG consumption may impact pre- and peri-implantation embryos and their subsequent development 6.