re is msg sensitivity superstition in article c h z v crdnns crd ge com meltsner crd ge com writes i wouldn t call it a double blind but one local restaurant s soup provokes an impressive migraine headache for my wife that one take out and no other nothing unisual quote chinese restaurant syndrome crs a transient syndrome associated with arterial dilatation due to ingestion of monosodium glutamate which is used liberally in seasoning chinese food it is characterized by throbbing of the head lightheadedness tightness of the jaw neck and shoulders and bachache end quote source dorland s illustrated medical dictionary th edition w b saunders p this was known long ago brain produces and uses some msg naturally but not in doses it is served at some chinese places having said that i might add that in mho msg does not enhance flavor enoughf for me to miss it when i go to chinese places i order food without msg goos places will do it for you a prerequisite for such a service would be a waiter capable of understanding what you want good luck am alexander m milshteyn m d milsh cipr server mgh harvard edu cipr mgh in boston ma vox fax
