Many people affected by MSG complain of Rosacea and other skin disorders, including a red, peeling rash with blisters. Rosacea, according to medical sources is based on vasoactivity, and inflammation. These two causes, are directly affected by MSG.
 | Glutamate is a calcium channel opener, and has proven vasoactive effects in the human body. |
| Glutamate is a nervous system stimulant. That is why it is used - it stimulates nerve cells in the mouth. However, there are glutamate receptors all over the body (the pancreas, the retina, the hypothalamus, even the hair cells of the ear) . Based on the latest research from Johns Hopkins in May 2001, nervous system stimulation can cause the immune system to over-react. Hypersensitivity of the nervous system triggers the immune system to release its arsenal of inflammation weapons. |
Allergy and immune response are big triggers for rosacea according to the following links:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/05/AR2007080500705.html
In the first, recent article - August 5, 2007, cathelicidin is mentioned. The immune cells called neutrophils make cathelicidin. Glutamate affects immune function and also vascular function as well:
http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/abstract/M110557200v1
If MSG causes the body to unleash its inflammation response because of it's effect on the nervous system, and it also changes the dilation of the blood vessels because of its action on the calcium channels, it is not surprising that some people sensitive to MSG, would complain of rosacea symptoms.