Physically active people with similar caloric intake , who use MSG for food seasoning , are found to be three times as likely to be overweight or obese when compared to those who don’t use MSG , according to a recent study. The findings are published this month in the
Obesity journal.
Chinese men and women , ages 40 to 59 , studied by researchers at UNC , Chapel Hill and in China , in three rural villages in North and South China , included over 750 subjects - 82% used MSG. Though they did not use commercially prepared foods , the scientists found that those who used the most MSG in their food were three times more likely to be obese than non-users. Since MSG is common in commercially prepared foods , the researchers purposefully chose men and women who prepare their own food in order to measure the effects.
According to Ka He , M.D. , assistant professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the UNC School of Public Health , "Animal studies have indicated for years that MSG might be associated with weight gain. Ours is the first study to show a link between MSG use and weight in humans.
MSG is deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration , though reports of migraine headaches are commonly reported. Other adverse reactions in sensitive people include asthma , heart rhythm disturbances , flushing , chest pain , runny nose , and gastrointestinal symptoms to name a few.
This latest study raises genuine concerns about the use of MSG in foods , especially given the current rates of obesity. "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other health organizations around the world have concluded that MSG is safe , says Dr. He , "but the question remains – is it healthy?"
Now we know we should probably back away from the MSG as well as the salt. Read your food labels carefully , and do your best to avoid processed , pre-packaged foods.
Source:
http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v16/n8/full/oby2008274a.html Resource:
Recognizing or diagnosing MSG adverse reactions
