GLUTAMATES FACTSHEET

glutamates-fs

Glutamates ebook ad 1

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GLUTAMATES

1. WHAT ARE GLUTAMATES?
** Glutamates are amino acids found naturally in all foods that
contain proteins and are the building blocks of proteins
** Glutamates can also be added to foods (using additives such
as MSG) or become more concentrated in foods through
processing/manufacturing and/or by fermented proteins
** Glutamates are flavour enhancers
** Sensitivities and adverse reactions arise from glutamates which
have been processed, manufactured or come from fermented
protein
** NB: Unadulterated protein containing glutamic acid does not
cause reactions
** Whilst the well known additive MSG is somewhat less used
today, manufacturers are now using other ingredients
containing glutamates to create that enhanced flavour
** Foods with labels stating ‘no MSG’ can still have ingredients
that contain glutamates in other forms and hence can still
create the same symptoms if sensitive to glutamates
** Different ‘forms’ of glutamates include:
** Additives numbered 620-625, 627, 631, 635
** Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
** Yeast extract
** Soy protein and plenty more!
For a full list in common sources of MSG and glutamates,
click here
2. HOW WILL YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE SENSITIVE TO
GLUTAMATES?

** Reactions to glutamates are related to the amount you eat, so
the more you consume, the more likely you will be affected
** The dose sensitivity to glutamates is individual – some react
more than others
** Symptoms of a sensitivity to glutamates include:
* rashes, eczema, itching, burning, numbness
* migraines, headaches
* irritable bowel symptoms
* asthma
* chest tightness
* heart palpitations, heart arrhythmia, anxiety
* irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbance
3. WHO IS AFFECTED BY GLUTAMATES?
** Whilst all ages can have sensitivities to glutamates, children
are more susceptible to the effects of the additives and
naturally occurring forms of glutamates. MSG and other flavour
enhancers are not permitted in foods for infants and children
under the age of 12 months.
** Approximately 40% of children with behavioural problems are
likely to react to natural glutamates, MSG and other flavour
enhancers.
4. WHICH FOODS ARE COMMONLY HIGH IN GLUTAMATES?
** Fast food and takeaway food such as hot chips, chicken salt etc often have large quantities of glutamates and flavour enhancers
** Foods known to contain ‘natural’ glutamates include soy sauce,
strong cheeses, tomatoes and mushrooms
** The stronger the flavour, the more likely the food has either
additives in the form of glutamates/flavour enhancers, or a high
level of natural glutamates
For a full list of the sources of glutamates, click here
5. HOW DO YOU DECREASE THE EFFECTS OF GLUTAMATES?
** Minimize or eliminate the number of foods containing the many
forms of glutamates from you diet
** Change doesn’t have to be hard, and with the right help and
support, it can make life happier, calmer and healthier for all
the family
For more tips and ideas on how to make the change,
avoid certain foods and introduce new tastes, click here