title: Possible significance of adverse reactions to glutamate in humans.
abstract: Of those exposed to Chinese restaurant food, our studies indicate that 25% report adverse reactions (Chinese restaurant syndrome (CRS)), presumably to the mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) content. The possible significance of the symptoms is discussed in the light of the known neuroexcitatory activity of MSG. It is suggested that CRS may result from a "benign" inborn "error" of metabolism that is deserving of further study, particularly in individuals with certain other metabolic abnormalities or who are on certain types of drug therapy.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001218:Aspartame / Q000633:toxicity; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005971:Glutamates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D012737:Sex Factors; D012970:Sodium Glutamate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D005971:Glutamates; D012970:Sodium Glutamate; D001218:Aspartame