Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, which is found naturally in many foods such as milk, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
Glutamic acid is one of several amino acids which are the main components of proteins.
Glutamic acid is also found in the cells of our bodies and is involved in a medley of brain functions. When animal and plant products are broken down, processed, modified, etc MSG is freed up. The symptoms are caused by direct nerve stimulation.