7 Side Effects Of Ajinomoto Every Street Food Lover Should Know!

By Vanshika Gaur
14 Jul 2025, 18:00 IST

Ajinomoto, also known as Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), is a flavour enhancer added in most street foods. Though it enhances the flavour of the dishes, it can have numerous side effects on the body. Tap to know them!

Headaches

Many people have reported that they experienced headaches or migraines after eating foods which contain ajinomoto, also known as Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.

Fatigue

Ajinomoto rich foods can also lead to fatigue or weakness, as it overstimulates the nerves and causes energy crashes.

Potential Metabolic Issues

With time, ajinomoto can potentially lead to metabolic issues like insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and more.

Chest Pain

Increased consumption of street food can lead to higher intake of ajinomoto, which can lead to heart palpitations and sometimes chest pain.

Allergic Reactions

Many individuals may experience allergic reactions like itching, rashes, swelling, and more due to the presence of monosodium glutamate in street food.

Nausea

Frequent consumption of street food can also lead to frequent intake of ajinomoto, causing a feeling of sickness, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Weight Gain

It does not directly cause weight gain; however, it enhances the flavour of food so much, which results in overeating and eventually causes weight gain.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, ajinomoto has several side effects, such as fatigue, metabolic issues, headaches, and more. It is advisable to consult a dietitian for personalised suggestions.