Definition

Noun: A set of symptoms, including headache, tingling or burning sensations, and sweating, that some individuals experience after consuming food containing monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical and informal contexts to describe a collection of physical reactions attributed to the consumption of monosodium glutamate, often found in foods served at Chinese restaurants and other cuisines. * Some people claim to suffer from Chinese restaurant syndrome after eating foods seasoned with MSG. * The symptoms of Chinese restaurant syndrome are typically mild and short-lived.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Chinese restaurant syndrome" is considered dated and potentially problematic by many medical professionals and cultural commentators. It originated from anecdotal reports in the 1960s and has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes.
• In contemporary medical and scientific literature, the preferred, more neutral term is "MSG symptom complex." Research has shown that MSG is safe for the vast majority of the population when consumed in normal amounts, and controlled studies often fail to replicate the syndrome consistently.

Variants and Related Words

• MSG symptom complex (n): The modern, clinical term for the same set of symptoms, avoiding the cultural reference.
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (n): The food additive (a form of glutamic acid) to which the syndrome is attributed.

Synonyms

• MSG symptom complex

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To have a reaction to MSG: A more descriptive and neutral way to express the concept.
  • I think I had a reaction to the MSG in the soup.

Noun

1. headache and tingling or burning feelings and sweating caused by eating food that contains monosodium glutamate