Allergic Diseases

What is the Chinese restaurant syndrome?

It is a reaction to glutamate ingested as MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavoring agent commonly used in Chinese cooking. It occurs within 15-30 minutes of ingestion and consists of a sensation of warmth and tightness on the face and anterior chest. It isĀ  occasionally confused with angina pectoris, but is benign and requires no therapy except avoidance of foods cooked with MSG.

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