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Unraveling the MSG-Headache Controversy: an Updated Literature Review

  • Uncommon and/or Unusual Headaches and Syndromes (F Cohen, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review the evidence and role of monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a headache and migraine trigger.

Recent Findings

MSG is a common food additive, has widely been linked as a trigger of headache, as well as other symptoms. However, the evidence for MSG as a causative agent for headache is debated. Various clinical trials over the past several decades have reported conflicting results, with studies suggesting that MSG does and does not increase the incidence of headache. However, the dosages of MSG exposure are often inconsistent across studies, with many studies administering a dose significantly higher than the average consumption.. Additionally, there are misconceptions about which foods and cuisines have MSG in them.

Summary

MSG could be a potential trigger for migraine and headaches. It is unclear exactly how MSG plays into the migraine pathophysiology. It’s crucial to accurately determine if MSG is present in one’s diet to evaluate its potential impact on headaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Edmond Ahdoot & Fred Cohen

  2. Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA

    Fred Cohen

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  1. Edmond Ahdoot
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E.A. and F.C wrote the main manuscript texts and table, and all authors review the manuscript

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Correspondence to Fred Cohen.

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F.C. is a section editor for Current Pain and Headache Reports and an assistant editor for Headache: The Journal of Head & Face Pain and receives honoraria from Springer Nature and Medlink Neurology. E.A. have no conflicts of interest to report.

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Ahdoot, E., Cohen, F. Unraveling the MSG-Headache Controversy: an Updated Literature Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 28, 119–124 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-023-01198-z

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