- Dr Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor has faced some criticism over his recommendation of MSG
- He said in a video that using MSG in moderate portions is healthier than overloading food with salt
- Nigerians criticise him saying he has been compromised and is only advertising for Ajinomoto
Popular medical doctor and influencer, Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor, has come under a bit of criticism for recommending the use of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).
The healthcare personnel who is known for advising Nigerians on health choices and bursting myths surrounding health issues has been dragged by some Nigerians after advising them on how to better enhance the flavour of their food with MSG.
Many Nigerians have countered the doctorl’s opinion that MSG is safer than salt.
The controversy started when Aproko Doctor posted a video on his X account @aproko_doctor and captioned it: “Aprokonation instead of packing your food with salt, use a bit of MSG. It is healthier and your body will thank you.”
In the video, he said some food items naturally have glutamate and to enhance the natural flavour of food without using too much salt, MSG can be used in “moderate portions.”
In his words: Tomato, Cheese, Meat, Vegetables, do you know what all of these have in common? Yes. Glutamate.
“The only thing that is missing here is actually breast milk. Do you actually know that glutamate is the most important amino acid in breast milk? Before you think it is one complicated science thing, I need to break it down for you.
“First of all, you need to understand that glutamate occurs naturally in these foods and is responsible for what you call umami taste. When you taste umami, It is different from salt, it is different from sweet, it is different from bitter, it is like a wholesome savoury feel… and this umami flavour is naturally present in these foods that I just mentioned, which is why, on their own, they can be flavourful.
“If you want to enhance the natural flavour of your food without adding extra sodium because some of you and hypertension, you're close to close. You can use MSG in moderate portions. “You give your taste buds the actual food taste but with more flavour and without overloading your body with sodium and salt,” the health influencer added.
Although Aproko doctor did not mention any brand of MSG seasoning, he showed a brand of the seasoning in the video and this has made some people believe he was only advertising the product.
Nigerians react to Aproko Doctor’s video
Many Nigerians said MSG has been known to be harmful to the human body and can cause certain diseases and the doctor was only trying to mislead his innocent followers. Some netizens believed the doctor had gotten paid to promote a certain MSG seasoning brand, Ajinomoto and others insulted him, saying he had lost his touch. A few people, including his wife, defended him.
Here are some of the comments:
@truebenny001 posted: “Haha that’s good. You’ve started advertising. Eventually the “big pharma” will come as well. And then the science will begin to adjust towards the sponsor.
Soon you’ll understand what “conflict of interest” means. WHO pays the piper ALWAYS dictates the tune.”
@ree_rehanat posted: “This same Ajinamoto that they said is not good ..... This same Ajinamoto that our mothers stopped using.? What changed?”
@Iamnoble6 posted: “Salt is good for body. What are you talking about?”
@michaelebukam posted: “MSG has been linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, neurotoxic effects and detrimental effects on the reproductive organs. When you listen to this crap and start having health issues, just remember that it’s the doctors that will still milk you.”
@RolandNGabriel posted: “Aproko Doctor stop misleading people. MSG is dangerous to the health. Salt is good. Even if what you are saying is what you were taught in school, cant you research for yourself? What you are doing is very dangerous!”
@Capolutiti posted: “This is misleading, you don’t need to be a Doctor or scientist to know Ajinomoto and the likes are not safe for steady consumption. This is something that acts like laundry bleach. Not all advert money are good money.”
@OluFatoki_ posted: “This is not true. Msg is artificial not natural... And we know what these things do to our body. You are only doing business here.”
@LadyVivacious1 posted: “I lost respect for Aproko Doctor since the Milo promotion. He has no integrity and seems more focused on making money than on genuine care, health promotion, and professionalism.”
@HerbalistChief posted: “If you want NATURAL flavour you must go for natural ingredients and not ARTIFICIAL ingredients like MSG which is linked to Cancer, Obesity, Asthma, Chronic Headache, Infertility and Heart attacks. It’s unfortunate many Doctors these days have sold their INTEGRITY for money.”
@Secretingrident posted: “Now that the conversation is on! Ajinomoto being an MSG based product was developed from fermented sugar cane! Hence, w/ moderate usage of this , it's safe to consume! Also, MSG is GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by FAO, WHO and JEFA!
I am open for this conversation if needed.”
NAFDAC’s refrigerated food warning causes controversy amid economic struggles
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a warning to Nigerians to avoid storing cooked food in the refrigerator for more than three days.
This warning, given by the Director General of the Agency, Professor Moji Adeyeye, aimed at mitigating the health risks associated with prolonged refrigeration, has sparked concern among families already grappling with economic hardship.