There is no doubt that some BIRs use it and like Jerry I know I have had it when I become very thirsty especially in the night. To be honest I always ask for my Chinese food to be cooked without it and it generally makes little or no difference to the taste but I sleep better. Even my initial efforts with the very salty Ashoka Bunjarra as per the recipe did me no harm but MSG always does. I am involved in the alternative Heath movement and MSG is one of the foodstuffs we steer clear of just like other day to day things like margarine. All the very best recipes on here don't use it and I strongly recommend that since it's not necessary you avoid it where you can.Food for thought and MSG you want to think carefully about using other than sparingly, IMHO. PP