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Frequently asked questions
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| A1 |
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an
amino acid which is present in all protein. |
| A2 |
Glutamate is produced through fermentation, a process used in making beer,
vinegar, soy sauce and yogurt. The process begins with natural products such as
molasses from sugar cane or sugar beets and food starch from tapioca or cereals. |
| Q3 |
Does the human body metabolize monosodium glutamate added to foods differently
from the glutamate occurring naturally in foods? |
| A3 |
No. The glutamate naturally present in food and the glutamate derived from
MSG are identical. They are digested and absorbed in the same way from the
intestine. Once they are ingested, our bodies make no distinction between
glutamate from foods such as tomatoes and glutamate from MSG. In fact,
research has shown that glutamate from food or from MSG is important for the
normal functioning of the digestive system. |
| Q4 |
Will the addition of more MSG make food taste better? |
| A4 |
The taste of MSG, like the taste of salt, has a self-limiting characteristic.
Only a small amount of MSG is needed to achieve optimum flavor. Further addition
of MSG has little or no beneficial effect. |
| Q5 |
Does MSG allow food manufacturers to substitute inferior or poor quality
ingredients for high quality ingredients? |
| A5 |
No. MSG can only enhance the original taste of good food. |
| Q6 |
In which foods is MSG used? |
| A6 |
MSG can be used in many savory dishes, on meat, fish, poultry and many
vegetables, and in sauces, soups and marinades. |
| Q7 |
Is the amount of glutamate added to foods for flavor far greater than the
amount of glutamate found naturally in foods? |
| A7 |
The glutamate added to foods for flavor represents only a small fraction of the
total amount of glutamate consumed in the average daily diet. The average person
consumes between 10 and 20 grams of glutamate daily. The average added intake of
glutamate from MSG amounts to just 0.5 - 1.5 grams per day. |
| A8 |
Yes. Research in Europe, the United States and Asia clearly shows that MSG
used in prepared foods or as a condiment is safe for humans of all ages. |
| Q9 |
Is MSG safe for infants? |
| A9 |
Yes. Scientific studies show that infants metabolise MSG in just the
same way as adults. In fact, human breast milk contains a much higher
level of glutamate than cow's milk. |
| Q10 |
Does MSG contain gluten? |
| A10 |
No. MSG is gluten-free. |
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