Opinion on MSG?
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I got instant ramen noodles that dont come with the soup powder packet. So I’m using some boullion cubes and some spices etc but am wondering if I should also add MSG? Is MSG… le bad? I am probaly going to eat noodle soup like everyday, its a good way to get a variety of vegetables and mushrooms.
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@sunsunsun said in Opinion on MSG?:
but am wondering if I should also add MSG? Is MSG… le bad?
Frequency is all. Need some taurine to equalize the excitatory effect. If the liver works fine, why not. But I'd take some species adapted for pasta (yeast-free and preservative-free).
Here is a detailed answer:
Monosodium glutamate is supposed to be « safe » when not too often / overloaded (max 2-3 g), except everyone doesn’t react on the same way. Glutamate is an excitatory substance for the brain. Glutamate is naturally present in many foods (e.g., tomatoes, cheese, manufactured food) and is produced by the body. We should add some taurine to calm down the whole thing.
Explanation
Glutamate is a necessary excitatory neurotransmitter, but when consumed in excess, it can overstimulate neurons, leading to neurotoxicity, calcium overload, and cellular damage.
• Neuroprotection against Excitotoxicity: Taurine protects neurons from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by reducing the accumulation of intracellular free calcium (Ca2+), which is a primary mechanism of cell damage.
• Balancing Neurotransmitters: Taurine acts similarly to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glycine, functioning as an inhibitory modulator that blocks excess neuronal excitability caused by high levels of glutamate.
• Preventing Mitochondrial Damage: Excess glutamate causes mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to cell death. Taurine stabilizes mitochondrial function, prevents the release of cytochrome C, and prevents apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Taurine serves as an antioxidant that reduces the free radicals produced by glutamate-induced oxidative stress.
• Counteracting "MSG Syndrome": Research indicates that taurine can act as a protective substance against the hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) effects of MSG, making it a recommended additive in foods containing high levels of monosodium glutamate.
Essentially, taurine acts as a natural buffer, calming the overstimulation of the nervous system and providing protection to cells.How adding some glutamate MSG with noodles once a day may overload the liver?
- Ammonia release: Detoxification Overload. MSG is 78% glutamic acid. When usual amounts of glutamic acid are ingested, they are converted to glutamine, releasing ammonium ions in the process. The liver is responsible for detoxifying these, neutralizing ROS species.
- Liver damage when overloaded: long-term exposure to MSG could increase liver damage markers in the blood, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Should be medically monitored with a blood test.
NB: Every time I take some glutamine (¼ tsp) I take ¼ tsp taurine powder with 100 ml water (to optimize mucus from the stomach linen).
Combining L-glutamine and taurine is a scientifically supported strategy for supporting gastrointestinal health, particularly for strengthening the intestinal barrier, increasing mucus production, and modulating inflammation (studies suggest that taurine can potentiate /enhance the beneficial effects of glutamine on gut barrier permeability and reduce macrophage inflammation). Timing: Taking these on an empty stomach is generally recommended to maximize absorption, as other amino acids can compete for uptake.
NB: No Significant Phylum Change in Normal Intake: Studies monitoring human gut microbiota during a four-week period of moderate MSG consumption (e.g., 2g/day, which is within normal dietary ranges) did not show significant changes in the overall structure or phylum-level bacterial populations.
Minor Genera Fluctuations: While the high-level phylum composition remains stable, some studies suggest that high, sustained consumption of MSG might slightly reduce beneficial bacteria (such as Bifidobacterium) and increase others (such as Collinsella or Bacteroides). Individual differences matter more: fibbers, polyphenols, meat, etc.
