Could A Flavor Enhancer Be Causing Weight Gain?

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Could AFlavor Enhancer Be Causing Weight Gain?   Afterreading the headline, most people would say - sure if it tastes good, we mighteat more of it. However, in a recent study reported in the Journal of Obesity,Dr. Ka He of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of PublicHealth and colleagues report that the flavor enhancer MSG was associated with asignificantly higher risk of weight gain without relation to caloric intake.   The studyfollowed more than 750 Chinese men and women (aged 40 - 59) who lived in threerural villages in China . The vast majority prepared theirfood at home, so the use of commercial processed foods was minimal. However,82% used MSG (monosodium glutamate) to flavor their food. The researchers foundthat those who consumed the most MSG were nearly three times more likely to beoverweight than those who used no MSG. This human study is very interestingbecause this confirms in humans what animal studies have on many occasionssuggested; namely, that MSG could fatten up laboratory animals.   Many peoplecan have greater problems with MSG than strictly weight gain. Some have anintolerance causing “MSG symptom complex" — commonly referred to asChinese restaurant syndrome. Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the non-essentialamino acid glutamic acid. MSG is considered a neurotoxin that excitesneurotransmitters that stimulate nerves related to taste. In animal studies,from rodents to  monkeys, MSG has been found to cause neuroendocrinedisorders and lesions in the hypothalamus. It is suspected that these lesionsmay affect the hormone leptin, which plays a predominant role in weightcontrol.   Althoughthe FDA considers MSG generally safe in customary amounts, some people may bemore sensitive, even to small amounts. Adverse reactions can include migraineheadaches, palpitations, and asthmatic symptoms. Anyone who watching their dietto determine food allergies should put MSG on their list for things to monitor.   Trying toeliminate or dramatically reduce MSG in the diet may be an arduous task.Besides the products that are clearly labeled as containing MSG, there are amyriad of products that contain MSG (some naturally occurring) where it iseither not listed or listed as a seasoning, spice, or added flavor. It is commonlyused in fast food chains and processed foods. Some sources would be soupstocks, bouillon cubes, sauces and dressings, canned food, snack foods, andseasoning mixtures. When seeing the words “No Added MSG” one must be wary thatthe food itself may contain MSG even though none was added. Other ingredientsthat contain MSG (but MSG would not be listed on the label) would be hydrolyzedvegetable proteins, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast, and soyextracts.   For thosewho find themselves affected negatively by MSG, it would be wise to eschewprocessed foods as much as possible and to be vigilant when selectingfoodstuffs. There are so many flavorful spices and seasonings that we can useto enhance the flavor of our meals, most of us can easily do without MSG. For those where it may be causing those extra pounds, dropping MSG just maymake it a little easier for us to stay fit and trim.   As alwaysconsult your physician of health care practitioner in all these matters thatimpact your health, seek corroboration of information, and most of all educateyourself. Andre Baran IV and his brother Bernard Baran, are co-owners of BrothersNutrition.com ( http://www.brothersnutrition.com ) as well as Brothers Nutrition in Edgewater, Florida..  They can be reached with questions or comments via e-mail at edge@brothersnutrition.com .

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