Chinese restaurant syndrome

Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, also called MSG (monosodium glutamate) syndrome, is a collection of symptoms which may include headache, flushing, sweating, and a sensation of pressure in the mouth or face.

Less common, but more serious symptoms attributed to the syndrome have included swelling of the throat, chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Most people recover from mild cases of Chinese restaurant syndrome with no serious harm.

Origins of Term

In the 1960s some Americans who ate at Chinese restaurants noticed an irritation after finishing their meals. Symptoms included drowsiness, tingling, and headaches. The large majority of these symptoms were benign, and went away after a while. The phenomena soon got the name Chinese Restaurant Syndrome and it was traced to MSG (monosodium glutamate), an ingredient many cooks added to Chinese dishes.

MSG is a common flavor enhancer and is used in a wide range of processed foods and is an ingredient in recipes made at restaurants and homes in many cuisines. The name Chinese Restaurant Syndrome refers to the initial discovery of the phenomenon, but there is nothing special about Chinese restaurant food in causing the syndrome. MSG is a natural ingredient in some plants used in traditional East Asian cuisines so the material became a part of Chinese dishes and Chinese restaurants may have been among the first introduction of this salt to American palettes.

Although the symptoms rarely were serious, consumers raised flags and many stopped eating MSG out of the belief that it is bad for you. Some restaurants even promoted themselves as MSG-free.

Cause

Studies have consistently shown that pure MSG does not cause the symptoms of the syndrome. This is inconsistent with the fact that millions of people experience symptoms after consuming commercially available MSG.

Some researchers now think that the culprit is not the MSG, but is instead a mold that grows inside the fermentation vessels used to make the MSG. In this hypothesis the mold is present in very small quantities which is why it has not been identified, but it is so potent it causes symptoms.

External links

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/001126.htm