"Peking duck can be put on the Christmas menu without risking guests to be admitted to the emergency department with new episodes of atrial fibrillation."

Neth Heart J. 2017 Dec;25(12):664-668. doi: 10.1007/s12471-017-1053-5.

Can we spice up our Christmas dinner? : Busting the myth of the 'Chinese restaurant syndrome'.

van den Berg NWE1, Neefs J1, Berger WR1, Baalman SWE1, Meulendijks E1, Kawasaki M1, Kemper EM2, Piersma FR1, Veldkamp MW1, Wesselink R1, Krul SPJ1, de Groot JR3.

Author information

1

Heart Centre, Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

2

Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

3

Heart Centre, Departments of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.r.degroot@amc.uva.nl.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), also referred to as Vetsin or E621, is a flavour enhancer frequently used in Asian cuisine and abundantly present in the famous Chinese dish Peking duck. MSG is notorious for triggering the onset of the so-called 'Chinese restaurant syndrome' (CRS), a complex of unpleasant symptoms, which might include flushing, sweating and the onset of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aims to determine the effects of MSG on the occurrence of AF.

METHODS:

We conducted a placebo self-controlled single-arm study in the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam. We included paroxysmal AF patients who reported a consistent onset of AF upon MSG intake. During three admissions, participants were subsequently administered: placebo, 1.5 g and 3 g MSG. If AF was recorded after the dose of 1.5 g MSG, patients were given another placebo instead of 3 g MSG. The primary outcome was the onset of AF registered by 24-hour Holter monitoring. The secondary outcomes were any other arrhythmia and the onset of CRS defined as two or more symptoms of CRS after MSG intake.

RESULTS:

Six men participated in the study. Both 1.5 g and 3 g MSG were unrelated to CRS, arrhythmias or AF occurrence.

CONCLUSION:

Peking duck can be put on the Christmas menu without risking guests to be admitted to the emergency department with new episodes of AF.