Ok, first of all What is MSG? MSG or monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant amino acids found in nature. It is the most common amino acid found in the human body and a major constituent of virtually every protein in the human body. Glutamate is present in nature in two forms; bound and free and it is this free glutamate that is responsible for the flavour enhancing properties of MSG. Free Glutamate is found naturally in varying amounts in many foods such as soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, seaweed and shellfish.

Why is there MSG in the soups? As you may have noticed the Tony Ferguson soups list monosodium glutamate (621) as an ingredient for flavour enhancing purposes. This was only one of the reasons for its inclusion, the other more important aspect relates to the need for a reduction in the sodium content of the soups. We at Tony Ferguson view this concept as essential due to the reality that a large majority of our clients suffer from hypertension and have to monitor their sodium intake on a daily basis. To remedy this we added a very minute amount of monosodium glutamate, as it has only one third the amount of sodium as table salt, so slashes the sodium content by 1/3 and does not compromise the flavour.

MSG and Blood Pressure.  The recommended amount of sodium to be consumed each day is less than 2300mg (1 tsp). For people with existing high blood pressure the value is less than 1500-2000mg per day. People with hypertension are often advised to avoid MSG and other sources of sodium. However, there is no evidence that sodium from MSG, or sources other than salt raises the blood pressure or contributes to the development of hypertension. This means that people suffering from high blood pressure can safely enjoy the TF soups without concern it will have detrimental effects on their BP and remember that we have only used the smallest amount of MSG in the soups to acheive the sodium lowering effect.

The sodium content of the soups ranges from 799mg per serve in the pumpkin soup to 1013mg in the chicken soup (due to the need for the meaty/savoury taste), while the milkshake sachets contain around 167mg each. As long as you are not consuming 2 soups a day, every day and you are being mindful of extra dietary sodium such as soy sauce and stock cubes your sodium intake each day will fall within the recommended 1500-2000mg per day for hypertension sufferers making it safe, once again for you to enjoy the flavour variety of the TF soups like other clients do. 

Is MSG safe? In Australia and New Zealand, no food additive, including MSG can approved for use in food until its safety has been established by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). MSG and other glutamates are among a group of food additives that are generally permitted in foods, due to their recognised safety in the amounts they are utilised, once again we use a very small amount of MSG in our products and as such are in alignment with this ruling. Additionally, monosodium glutamate has been on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "Generally Recognised as Safe" (GRAS) list for 40 years. It sits alongside pepper, sugar, vinegar and baking powder and similar acceptance of the safety of MSG is reflected in food laws throughout the rest of the world.

There have been numerous reports of allergies and sensitivities to MSG, that cause a wide variety of physical symptoms such as migraines, nausea, digestive upsets, heart palpitations and asthma attacks. It must be recognised, in contrast to what the media leads you to believe, MSG is not a common trigger for food sensitivity in the way that sulphites and colours may be. A very small number of people may experience some reaction to large amounts of MSG (3-6g which is quite a lot!) when consumed in a singe meal, yet toxicologists have concluded that there is still no convincing evidence to suggest that MSG is the significant triggering factor in these symptoms. 

I hope this has answered your question and know that you are able to safely enjoy the soups with your high blood pressure.

Have a great day!

Sarah

Tony Ferguson Nutritionist 

                                      2kg loss                    800gm

Week 4....87.7kg      Week 5....85.9kg      Week 6....85.4kg

        400gm                      1.8kg                    400gm

Week 7....84.1kg      Week 8....82.9kg      Week 9....81.6kg

         1.3kg                      1.2kg                         1.3kg

Week 10..81.7kg       Week 11..79.6kg

   100gm gain                       2.1kg
  

Why not have one soup with salt instead of msg for us intolerant to msg? I don't have hypertension. Thank you for putting that on your boxes though, I appreciate knowing that before I buy the soup.

We both started 29th Nov 2006, and we love doing TF at our own pace. We have TF for breaky most days, and follow the principles most days of the week. We have been keeping the weight off pretty well along the way.

My details - height 175cm age 46 - Started at 111 kg, now at 83 kg - would like to get to mid 70's.

My hubby - height 188cm age 49  - Started at 120 kgs, now at 97 kgs - goal around high 80's.

     Thanks Mally!

27kg gone- 34kg to go! I'm on my way!!

That little engine had it right: I think I can, I think I can...Whooohooo! I can!

Lizzie

I had surgery 6 months ago and was  not able to do anything for a couple of months, now after pigging out at Christmas, & New Year, I went on hormone replacement, about 3 mths ago, i have gained 15.2 kg YUKK!! so now i'm back again to being in charge of this BIG problem. 

starting again !!!

start weight.. 79.2 kg.. ...2/1/2010........goal....64 kg

WEEK 1..... 77.4...loss..1.8 kg

WEEK 2......76.8....loss..600g

 WEEK 3......76.4.....LOSS..400g

 WEEK 4......76.0.....loss..400g....

WEEK 5...75.8...loss..200g

 WEEK 6.....75.2..loss..600g.......started lupin8..3 days ago   

WEEK 7......74.6..loss..600g

WEEK 8......74.6..NO LOSS

WEEK 9.....74.0....loss ..600g  

  WEEK 10......74.4....gain..400g                       

WEEK 11.....73.8.....600g..loss

WEEK  12.....74.00.....gain200 G

WEEK 13....73.6......400 G ..LOSS

Brisbane,Queensland