Monosodium Glutamate Sensitivity

Reif-Lehrer (1976) reported that 25% of persons develop the 'Chinese restaurant syndrome' on exposure to monosodium glutamate (MSG) used as a flavor enhancer. Its heavy use in soy sauce is the reason for association of its effects with Chinese restaurants. He suggested that sensitive individuals may have an inborn error of metabolism. Symptoms of the Chinese restaurant syndrome include tightness in the back of the neck, pressure behind the eyes, frontal or temporal headache, facial flushing, nausea, etc. Family and twin studies are needed. 'Hot dog' headache (Henderson and Raskin, 1972) and diet-induced migraine (Youdim et al., 1971; Sandler et al., 1974) may be similar examples.