See the myths and facts about monosodium glutamate!

Does monosodium glutamate (MSG) harm your health?
Can monosodium glutamate cause cancer?
Does monosodium glutamate make food taste better?
Can monosodium glutamate be addictive?
Does monosodium glutamate have a lot of sodium?
Is there a limit for the safe intake of monosodium glutamate?

Does monosodium glutamate provide health benefits?
Is it better to avoid foods with monosodium glutamate?
Does monosodium glutamate cause migraines?
What is AJI-NO-MOTO?
Learn more: All about glutamate

Does monosodium glutamate (MSG) harm your health?

No, monosodium glutamate does not harm health. Science has shown there is no reason for concern, and several scientific studies confirm that consuming MSG is safe. Regulatory bodies worldwide, such as ANVISA, JECFA, and the FDA, attest to its safety for use as a food additive.

See what a specialist has to say

It is important to consider that ingredients such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) are authorized for use according to recommendations from global safety and health authorities as well as the food industry. MSG has undergone multiple safety evaluations and, in light of current knowledge, has been shown to be safe for human consumption, including without an established daily intake recommendation.”

Dra. Hellen Maluly, Pharmacist, PhD in Food Science from UNICAMP, Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Food Safety and Quality at Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz, and Member of the Governing Board of the Brazilian Association of Sensory and Consumer Sciences.

Can monosodium glutamate cause cancer?

No, monosodium glutamate does not cause cancer. In fact, it is used by renowned physicians in oncology to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, since those undergoing such treatment often experience loss of taste and reduced salivation.

Prato de macarronada com molho, tomates e queijo por cima

Does monosodium glutamate make food taste better?

Yes, MSG enhances the flavor of dishes, making food tastier without adding calories or fat. Therefore, older adults or people with taste alterations can benefit from using MSG, as it improves food acceptance and contributes to a more enjoyable and nutritious diet.

Can monosodium glutamate be addictive?

No, MSG is not addictive. Numerous regulatory bodies around the world have certified MSG as a safe product, and there is no evidence that it causes addiction or any other kind of health damage.

Does monosodium glutamate have a lot of sodium?

No, it does not contain a lot of sodium. In fact, MSG has one-third of the sodium found in table salt and is therefore a powerful ally for reducing sodium in preparations.

If you use one teaspoon of salt to cook rice, for example, switch to ½ teaspoon of salt plus ½ teaspoon of MSG. The dish’s flavor will be maintained and the sodium content can be reduced by up to 37%.

Is there a limit for the safe intake of monosodium glutamate?

No, there is no defined upper limit. During MSG safety evaluations, tests showed there was no need to establish a numeric value for the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Thus, MSG was assigned an “ADI not specified,” which is the safest class for food additives.

Pessoa pegando patê de uma tijela branca com colher e garfo

Does monosodium glutamate provide health benefits?

Yes, consuming MSG brings benefits. It helps reduce sodium in recipes, improves flavor harmony, and stimulates salivation important for digestion and oral health. It can be especially helpful for people with eating difficulties, such as older adults or patients undergoing chemotherapy, aiding swallowing and making meals more pleasurable.

Is it better to avoid foods with monosodium glutamate?

There is no need to avoid foods containing MSG. Monosodium glutamate is safe and can be used to enhance the natural flavor of your dishes without harming your health.

Does monosodium glutamate cause migraines?

No, glutamate does not cause headaches or migraines. Although historically linked to MSG due to “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,” the International Headache Society recognized in 2018 that MSG does not cause migraines—information reflected in the ICHD-3 classification list. Migraines involve many factors, such as family predisposition, sleep deprivation, long periods without eating, strong odors, etc.

What is AJI-NO-MOTO®?

AJI-NO-MOTO® is the brand name of MSG produced by Ajinomoto, a Japanese company with over 100 years of history. It is used to enhance the natural flavor of foods, especially to bring umami to preparations.