Is Monosodium Glutamate Gluten-Free？

Is Monosodium Glutamate Gluten-Free？

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) Mondstar Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is sold as a trade name for sodium hydrogen glutamate. You can find monosodium glutamate MSG with different names in the market. For example, monosodium glutamate E621 and E621 food additives. It is commonly used as a food additive to bring out the natural flavors. Almost all individuals consume monosodium glutamate MSG every day. Either as an additive or a naturally occurring part of the food, MSG is found in our food cycle. Some monosodium glutamate foods include corn, peas, ripe tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.

In recent times, the utilization of MSG in food packages has grown significantly. The popularity of monosodium glutamate interests everyone to know MSG. People want to learn the properties of MSG seasoning. It also gives rise to various questions. For consideration, is monosodium glutamate gluten free? Or do the foods with MSG contain gluten? Is MSG healthy and safe for people with celiac disease? Here is a thorough article about MSG and gluten. The article reveals all the scientific facts about monosodium glutamate.

What is monosodium glutamate?

Monosodium glutamate E621, or MSG, is the purest form of umami. It is a chemical compound defined as the sodium salt of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid occurs in natural foods such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts, corn, tomatoes, and dairy products. The acid further breaks down to form simple glutamate. A 0.25 tsp MSG powder contains 0 carbs and fats. Additionally, it contains 0.6g of protein and four monosodium glutamate calories.

A certified monosodium glutamate factory produces MSG through the fermentation of natural ingredients. For fermentation, industries may use sugar cane, sugar beets, or corn. MSG powder is used as a flavor enhancer to intensify umami flavors in soups, broths, and sauces. The FDA has approved powdered MSG for its use in the food industry. Moreover, it is seen as a partial replacement for salt as it contains around one-third of the sodium.

History of monosodium glutamate in food

Is MSG natural flavor? When it was invented for the first time? In 1908, a Japanese biochemist, Kikunae Ikeda, prepared monosodium glutamate E621. Earlier, cooking with monosodium glutamate was limited to Asian cuisines. But with time, the use of MSG spread to enhance the authentic flavors of many cuisines.

Is monosodium glutamate MSG bad？

There is controversy about the fact that foods with MSG contain gluten. Also, people believe that consumption of MSG is not safe for health. In contrast, the use of MSG in food has been approved by the World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration. The optimal intake of monosodium glutamate nutrition is safe for health. Further, it is also included in Celiac's list of safe gluten-free ingredients. In simple words, monosodium glutamate E621 is safe for edible uses. Further, most people have registered the consumption of MSG as safe for their bodies.

Optimal guidelines for eating MSG on an everyday basis

MSG intake is safe when consumed as part of a normal diet. Studies suggest that 14 mg per pound of body weight is effective and safe on an everyday basis. In simple words, if an individual weighs 150 pounds, he can consume 2.5 grams of monosodium glutamate. Eating MSG can be a quick replacement for salt. An individual's average daily intake of MSG is 1 gram.

Can you replace salt with MSG?

Many food industries add MSG to food rather than salt. Table salt, chemically known as NaCl or sodium chloride, is one of the biggest causes that makes individuals vulnerable to contributors to cardiovascular disease. The WHO has adopted a target to reduce the intake of 30% salt, which is quite hard to achieve because salt brings a unique and necessary taste to the food. However, monosodium glutamate E621 can turn out to be a key savior in reducing sodium intake among individuals without compromising taste.

What is the controversy with monosodium glutamate?

While monosodium glutamate is widely used in processed foods, its application is continuously increasing over time. While the prime purpose of monosodium glutamate MSG is to add a special aroma and umami to processed food, there are many controversies attached to the ingredient. Here are the major ones listed:

Controversy: Foods with monosodium glutamate are toxic to human health

Known as Chinese salt in most countries, foods with monosodium glutamate are said to be toxic to human health. The most recent controversial statement about MSG is that, besides its finger-licking flavors, MSG has also caused diseases and illnesses. It is related to metabolic disorders, obesity, neurotoxic effects, and a toxic impact on the reproductive organs. Besides, different individuals worldwide have witnessed adverse reactions after the intake of monosodium glutamate E621. This may be due to the development of MSG syndrome. The ADR of MSG includes chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, wheezing, facial numbness, and burning sensations in various body parts. And that's the reason why most people avoid the intake of MSG.

Truth: Though some people complain about the adverse effects of MSG, it is not justified or validated by any certified institutions. Moreover, leading health organizations such as the US FDA, the Institute of Food Technologists, the Select Committee on Food Additives of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the Commission of the European Communities, have declared no health hazards arising due to the consumption of MSG foods. Monosodium glutamate is still one of the most researched food additives in the world. A part of the global population might be allergic to the use of MSG or consume food by MSG. However, the evidence supports that when consumed in optimal quantities as a flavor enhancer, MSG is safe for the general population.

Controversy: Is monosodium glutamate halal?

In 2018, Ajinomoto monosodium glutamate was banned in Pakistan, which gave rise to the controversy: Is MSG halal or haram? Further, common people raised doubts about the validity of the chemical as per the Islamic religious laws.

Truth: Unlike the reasons stated above, monosodium glutamate was banned in Pakistan in 2018 due to its toxic impact on the health of its citizens. For the same reason, Turkey also banned the consumption of MSG in food production. Further, in the USA and Canada, monosodium glutamate E621 is kosher-certified and meets the halal requirements. But, if monosodium glutamate is produced from the yeast grown on pork media, then it is haram for sure.

Thus, from the above statements, it is justified that monosodium glutamate MSG has no side impact on the health and lifestyle of the general public. Moreover, the controversies raised to date have not been validated or verified with solid proof.

Controversy: Monosodium glutamate consists of more sodium than table salt.

Many people and countries believe that monosodium glutamate carries more percentage of sodium than table salt, making it more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.

Truth: As per the scientific facts, MSG consists of only one-third of sodium compared to table salt. Thus, you can add MSG to food as an alternative to table salt. While table salt consists of 40 percent of sodium, MSG consists only 12 percent of the sodium. Thus, the addition of MSG to foods maintains the perception of saltiness while preserving palatability. Thus, thorough research in MSG might help scientists find a cost-effective alternative to table salt that also introduces a healthier lifestyle among the public.

Is monosodium glutamate gluten free？

Yes, the scientific evidence proves that monosodium glutamate E621 is gluten-free. Though it can be produced using wheat, during the manufacturing process, the wheat protein is completely hydrolyzed. Thus, the end-produced MSG products are gluten-free in nature and can be easily eaten by people with coeliac disease.

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, from the above statements and evidence, it can be concluded that monosodium glutamate MSG is gluten-free, safe, and effective for a wider percentage of the general public. Thus, you can use the best MSG additives in your food. Just ensure that you don't exceed the optimal safe quantity mentioned for human use. Further, the controversies of monosodium glutamate can be justified with scientific evidence. If you are looking for the best MSG to meet sodium requirements, trust Mondstar. We are the leading food additives supplier that deals with quality E621 food additives, meeting industry standards. Thus, limit your sodium intake and use MSG without any fear.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monosodium Glutamate

What is the monosodium glutamate e number?

In the food industry, monosodium glutamate e number is E621. It enhances food flavors and is also added to different processed foods.

What are the industry applications of MSG?

In industry applications, MSG is found in various foods, such as monosodium glutamate spice, pickles, snacks, soups, and instant noodles.

What is the E621 flavor enhancer?

E621 flavor enhancer is the industry name for monosodium glutamate MSG seasoning, which is used to bring out the authentic taste of food.

Monosodium Glutamate Fufeng and Monosodium glutamate Meihua?

If you are wondering where to buy MSG, there are multiple monosodium glutamate suppliers that you can trust. MSG China produced is known worldwide for its quality. Mondstar can provide you with Monosodium Glutamate Fufeng brand, also Meihua brand Monosodium Glutamate.

Can I add MSG to food instead of salt?

Numerous monosodium glutamate foods already exist in the market. For people who want to reduce their sodium intake, MSG is a savior. They can add MSG to food rather than salt, as the same amount of MSG contains 12% sodium, whereas salt contains 40% sodium.