Science Forums 2

[mynah]

Here is an interesting explanation I've read:

MSG sensitivity has also been called "Chinese restaurant syndrome" - although it does not occur (or rarely occurs) in China. Apparently the stuff is most potent when taken on an empty stomach. In Chinese foods, it is mostly used in soup, which is traditionally served first in the West, but in between other food in china.

I've seen someone apparently (though briefly) at death's door after a Chinese meal, and have experienced the symptoms myself (though never in the East). Solution: Read the labels, and if you have to have something with MSG, eat some additive-free food first.