Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common seasoning, but many people nowadays refuse to consume it due to rumors that it can cause hair loss. Is there any scientific basis for this claim?
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be divided into two categories: normal physiological hair loss and pathological hair loss. Normal hair loss occurs at a rate that is in dynamic equilibrium with hair growth, meaning that there is no noticeable decrease in hair volume. Pathological hair loss refers to abnormal or excessive hair loss, which can be caused by factors such as seborrheic hair loss, blood deficiency, blood heat-induced hair loss, kidney deficiency-induced hair loss, or genetic hair loss.
Does Consuming MSG Cause Hair Loss?
Many people believe that MSG, being a chemical substance, can cause hair loss. However, in reality, there is no connection between consuming MSG and hair loss. The main component of MSG is monosodium glutamate, which, when present in trace amounts in the blood, does not have any impact on the body. In other words, the small amount of MSG added to dishes in daily cooking has no effect on health. If one were to add an excessive amount of MSG to a dish, it is likely that the taste of the dish would be unbearable.
What are the Dangers of Consuming Excessive MSG?
Consuming excessive amounts of MSG can lead to an increase in blood levels of glutamate. When glutamate concentration is too high, it can impede the absorption of calcium and magnesium, causing short-term symptoms such as headaches, palpitations, and nausea. During the breakdown process of monosodium glutamate, inhibitory neurotransmitters are produced. When the concentration of these inhibitory neurotransmitters is too high, it can suppress various neurological functions in the body, leading to a series of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, muscle spasms, restlessness, and palpitations. Some individuals with sensitive constitutions may even experience bone pain and muscle weakness.
Helpful Tips
MSG is not as frightening as we imagine. Only when consumed in excessive amounts does it have some side effects. The one or two spoons of MSG added to dishes in normal cooking will not have any impact on the body, so there is no need to believe in rumors.
