What happens if you drink beer with monosodium glutamate added?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Common side effects of consuming beer with added monosodium glutamate (MSG) may include worsening body dehydration, causing neurological discomfort, increasing gastrointestinal irritation, and placing additional burden on liver metabolism. Beer has a diuretic effect that promotes water excretion, while the sodium glutamate in MSG is metabolized by the kidneys and carries away water during the process. When consumed together, these effects can intensify dehydration, potentially leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
Consuming beer with monosodium glutamate (MSG) may lead to various adverse effects, including worsening dehydration, triggering neurological discomfort, increasing gastrointestinal irritation,加重 liver metabolic burden, and potentially inducing cardiovascular symptoms. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Worsening dehydration: Beer has a diuretic effect that promotes water loss, while the sodium glutamate in MSG draws water out of the body during renal metabolism. When consumed together, this combination can intensify dehydration, possibly causing symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
2. Triggering neurological discomfort: Under the influence of alcohol metabolites, sodium glutamate may interfere with normal nerve function, leading to headaches, dizziness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Some individuals may also experience numbness in limbs or slowed reaction times.
3. Increasing gastrointestinal irritation: Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa, potentially causing bloating or stomach pain. Excessive MSG or its combination with alcohol can further burden the gastrointestinal tract, increasing the risk of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—especially noticeable in individuals with weak digestive function.
4. Increasing liver metabolic burden: Both alcohol and MSG components are metabolized by the liver. Consuming them together forces the liver to process both substances simultaneously, increasing its workload and potentially impairing liver function over time.
5. Potentially inducing cardiovascular discomfort: Alcohol causes blood vessel dilation and increased heart rate, while MSG components may affect electrolyte balance. Their combined effects could lead to blood pressure fluctuations. Some people may experience palpitations or chest tightness, with higher risks for those who have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
If significant discomfort occurs after accidentally consuming beer with MSG, stop intake immediately and drink plenty of warm water. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are severe. Individuals with gastrointestinal, liver, or cardiovascular diseases should strictly avoid alcohol consumption and such risky combinations.
