Glutamic Acid
Glutamic acid is an amino acid found in the body and in food proteins. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is its sodium salt.
How do authorities assess safety?
FDA considers MSG added to food generally recognized as safe. It describes temporary symptoms such as headache or flushing in some sensitive people after 3 g or more without food; blinded challenges have not consistently reproduced reactions. 1
What does the European limit mean?
EFSA derived a group acceptable daily intake of 30 mg/kg body weight, expressed as glutamic acid, in its assessment of additives E 620–625. BfR explains that this came from animal studies and that prolonged excess may pose risks. It is a safety reference, not a recommended supplement intake. 2
Adverse findings
Ratings where the reported effect was unwanted. Each lists the studies behind it.
For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.