Purpose:
To study the effects of oral consumption of MSG in people with chronic asthma.
Research Institution:
Beth Israel Hospital
Scientist(s):
Richard M. Schwartzstein, Mittie Kelleher, Steven E. Weinberger, J. Woodrow Weiss, Jeffrey M. Drazen
Results Published:
"Airway Effects of MSG in Subjects with Chronic Stable Asthma," Journal of Asthma, 1987.
Study Design:
Twelve adults with a history of asthma ingested MSG or a placebo in a double-blind, random, crossover test.
The subjects' breathing was measured before and 4 hours after the test.
Study Results:
At no time during the observation period did any subject's breathing change. Doctors who conducted the study concluded that asthmatics need not avoid MSG.