Deciphering the MSG controversy.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common flavor enhancer in various canned food and stereotypically associated with food in Chinese restaurants, has been claimed and tested to have side effects including headache and dizziness. However, the mechanism behind MSG-induced headache was not clear. Using dissociated mouse neuronal culture and cell injury assays, we determined whether incubation of neurons with clinically relevant concentrations of MSG induces cell swelling or death, and whether any measure can be taken to prevent or reduce MSG effects.