谷氨酸单钠症候群（Monosodium glutamate symptom complex）是一系列症状，包括头疼、脸部或其它部位潮红、流汗和口部和脸部感到压力。更严重的症状则包括喉咙肿胀、胸口疼痛、心悸和呼吸急促。一般个案的患者能够康复，不会受重大伤害。在吃下含有丰富味精的食物前，只要服用正常含量的维他命B6，就可以避免此症候群。

由于美国人最初是因为吃中国菜引起这些病征，所以一度将这些病征称为中国餐馆症候群（Chinese restaurant syndrome）。

Glutamic acid and its ions and salts, called glutamates, are flavor-enhancing compounds which provide an umami (savory) taste to food.

Glutamic acid is a natural constituent of many fermented or aged foods, including soy sauce, fermented bean paste, and cheese, and is also a component of hydrolyzed protein such as yeast extract.