Anxiety Symptoms and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

It was back in the 1980's in England that MSG first attracted public attention to any great extent. I had already read about some of the reported symptoms of MSG, as my son had problems with food intolerance and apparent reactions to food additives, such as artificial colorings and flavorings.

Once the topic of monosodium glutamate hit the news stands, it started to disappear as an ingredient in many foods. Word then got around that the Chinese used it freely, and Chinese restaurants keen to keep their custom started to put up "No MSG" Signs in their windows.

The Chinese and Japanese use MSG like salt, and it is described as a seasoning. Where I now live, in the Philippines, you will find people will only know MSG by the brand name of the variety they use, not as MSG.

Although governments generally regard MSG as safe, there have been a large number reports of side effects in people who are sensitive to it. One of the symptoms is anxiety, and one of the people who has been affected in the past was Deanne Repich. With her permission, I reproduce below an article she wrote on the subject of MSG.