Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely known by the public as a flavor enhancer. However, MSG consumption is often associated with an increased risk of various diseases, one of which is cancer. Is it true that MSG can cause cancer?
Facts About MSG That Can Cause Cancer
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that is often used in various dishes. This material can maintain the taste, quality color, texture, and acidity of a food.
Regarding its use, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the MSG content is safe for consumption.
Even so, the use of food additives is still controversial. The reason is, many have experienced a number of effects of using MSG, such as:
- Headache.
- Excessive sweating
- Blushing face.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Chest pain.
- Heart pounding.
- Nauseous.
- Weakness.
- A face that feels stressed or tense.
- feeling sleepy
Therefore, the FDA requires that food products containing MSG be listed on the product label.
So, can these additives cause cancer? In fact, MSG does not cause cancer.
Also Read: 11 Good Cancer Prevention Foods Consumed Every Day
According to a systematic review conducted in 2017, since the 1960s there have been no studies proving a link between MSG use and cancer risk.
Supporting this fact, health expert Prof. Dr. dr. Aru Wisaksono Sudoyo, Sp.PD-KHOM who also serves as Chair of the Indonesian Cancer Foundation, said that the MSG content does not cause cancer.
He explained that research on experimental mice in Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) showed no link between the two.
Even so, consumption of MSG in large quantities is proven to damage body tissues, especially the pancreas tissue which is responsible for producing insulin. This condition can trigger various health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension.
How to Check MSG Content in Food
MSG is naturally produced by the body and is contained in a number of foods, such as soy extract, cheese and tomatoes.
If it occurs naturally in an ingredient, the FDA does not require it to be listed on the label.
However, if this additional ingredient is present in various food products, the FDA has advised that each product must include it on the packaging label.
Therefore, you can find out whether a product contains MSG or not by checking the packaging label.
Also Read: Positive Thinking and Its Relation to Successful Cancer Treatment
On the other hand, some dishes also often use this additional spice in large quantities.
When cooking yourself at home, try to reduce the number of doses. Likewise when you buy food out. Ask to reduce or avoid using MSG.
Thus, you can avoid the various dangers of MSG for health.
Now, that’s the fact about consumption of MSG can cause cancer. Although not proven, excessive consumption can trigger a number of health problems. Therefore, be sure to pay close attention to its use in the daily menu.
- Anonymous. [DISINFORMASI] MSG Can Cause Cancer. https://www.kominfo.go.id/content/detail/20867/disformasi-msg-dapat-mebabkan-kanker/0/report_isu_hoaks. (Accessed February 17, 2023).
- Anonymous. National Agency of Drug and Food Control. Use of MSG in Food. https://www.pom.go.id/new/view/more/berita/22029/Use-MSG-dalam-Makanan.html. (Accessed February 17, 2023).
- Anonymous. 2022. Questions and Answers on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/questions-and-answers-monosodium-glutamate-msg. (Accessed February 17, 2023).
- Chun, Christina. 2019. Does Monosodium Glutamate Cause Cancer? https://www.healthline.com/health/monosodium-glutamate-cancer. (Accessed February 17, 2023).
- Sherrell, Zia. 2021. MSG: Is It Bad for You? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-msg-bad-for-you. (Accessed February 17, 2023).
- Zeratsky, Katherine. 2022. What is MSG? Is it bad for you? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196. (Accessed February 17, 2023).
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