MSG and pregnancy

[Ttulipss]

I'm just curious what you other pregnant DODers have been told about MSG. With my first pregnancy I was told to avoid it and did....no KFC, no chinese food, etc. With my second pregnancy I remembered that and again avoided it. I've been avoiding it this time around as well and one of my friends (also pregnant) stopped by and mentioned KFC and I told her she shouldn't be having that. She asked what does it do. I haven't found my other pregnancy books (still in storage) but do have the Mayo Clinic book from State Farm and couldn't find anything about MSG in it. My sister had said she remembered reading to avoid it while pregnant and we each got on the internet to see what we could find.



[Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] says "Research has shown that the placental barrier does not allow MSG to pass from a mother to her unborn child, so pregnant women need not be concerned about foods that contain MSG."


[Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] says "There has been some research studies looking at MSG's potential for causing birth defects in animals. In high doses, the additive has been found to cross the placenta and cause damage in a developing mice's brain. It has also has been linked to behavioral problems. But this has all yet to be substantiated, especially in human studies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that MSG is safe to eat for the majority of the population.

The bottom line is, if you are worried about how MSG might affect you and your developing baby, become aware of what foods contain it and limit your intake of them. Read ingredient labels on store-bought foods and ask your server at restaurants if they use MSG in preparing their foods."

At [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] the nutrition expert says "the FDA requires that all foods containing MSG include that information on labels because some people develop an adverse reaction to it, whether pregnant or not. In sensitive individuals, MSG can trigger headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or sleep disturbances. For this reason, you may want to avoid it during pregnancy."

Here is another site that talks about additives to avoid while pregnant, controversial additives, etc. [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]


What have you been told about MSG?

[devlina2u]

I have heard pretty much what you researched. I have known that MSG or Monosodium Glutamate or ajinomoto is bad during pregnancy but I had no idea that KFC uses MSG! I know for a fact that chinese foods do not contain MSG.....well, at least that's what they say. Most of the fast food companies are prohibited from using MSG during cooking.

[weacross3]

Wow, I never heard anything about avoiding MSG when I was pregnant! Interesting!

[devlina2u]

MSG is one of the ingredients used in chinese cooking and I have no idea who told me but I know for a fact that it is not good during pregnancy. The chinese fast foods or restaurants claim that they don't use MSG but you never know.

[aprilgail]

I avoided MSG, Caffeine and most of all anything Diet....the Dr's stress staying away from diet sodas with artificial sweetener more than anything and also to NOT let you kids have it at least until they are 12 so my daughter never gets diet soda or anything that they use artificial sweetener on.

[ShainaT]

Hmmm...this is very interesting. I didn't know this. Thanks....guess I will be avoiding chinese food for the next 6 months.

[mayfly]

lots of foods have msg I think. Any chips, pretzels with seasoning, most frozen dinners, I think theres more.

I never knew this either, thanks for sharing.

[mama2calli]

My big thing I have avoided with all 3 pregnancies is NITRATES and NITRITES - bacon, most processed and smoked meats (like hot dogs, luncheon meats), and cold cuts are the bad guys!!

I also gave up fish for the most part. I am not a big fish eater but I do love tuna, swordfish and shark - the latter two contain unsafe levels of mercury for pregnant/nursing women and infants and children. I do eat canned tuna now and then...

I don't eat a lot of processed foods anyhow, and I do try to eat as fresh as possible (low carb principals that are instilled in me) -
I try to cook dinner/lunch using fresh meats, veggies, fruits and dairy as often as possible. I don't eat a lot of fast food with Taco Bell being the exception 'cause I crave it!

Hope this helps a bit... Kath (due 7/3/02~)

[3tbear]

Quite a few years back they used to use MSG at McDonalds, not sure if was the fries or not. It was to enhance the flavor. Staying away from the stuff sounds the logical approach, better safe than sorry.