Fact Check: Can Maggi noodles cause anemia, joint pain, memory and hearing loss, kidney and liver swelling, and other health issues?

An Instagram post claims that eating Maggi noodles causes blood deficiency or anaemia, joint pain, memory problems, kidney and liver swelling, and hearing issues. The claim is Mostly False.

Claim

A post made on Instagram claims that eating Maggi noodles causes blood deficiency (anaemia), joint pain, memory problems, kidney and liver swelling, and hearing issues. The post shared by Instagram user style_tuber states "Harmful Effects of Eating Maggi: deficiency of blood (anaemia), joint pain problems, memory loss, swelling in kidney and liver and hearing problems. 

The post has 162,217 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim is Mostly False. Current research does not directly link Maggi noodles to conditions like anemia, joint pain, memory problem,kidney and liver swelling, or any hearing issues. While instant noodles may lack key nutrients, no study confirms Maggi as the cause of these issues.

What’s the Story Behind Maggi Noodles?

Maggi is a popular product of the Nestlé brand, famously known as "2-Minute Noodles." Launched in India in 1983, it quickly became a household favorite, capturing 90% of the instant noodle market and earning the title of India’s “third staple” after wheat and rice. In May 2015, food safety officials in Uttar Pradesh reported high levels of lead and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) in Maggi samples, leading to a nationwide ban on June 6. However, tests by the US FDA later found no harmful lead levels. On August 13, the Bombay High Court lifted the ban, stating that the proper procedure was not followed in issuing the ban and also questioned the test results, as the samples were not examined in NABL-accredited laboratories.

Does Maggi cause blood deficiency, joint pain, memory problems, kidney and liver swelling, and hearing issues?

Let's examine each of these claims individually.

Blood deficiency, medically known as anaemia, occurs when the body lacks enough red blood cells that contain haemoglobin, an iron-rich protein responsible for carrying oxygen. Anaemia is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying problem. When severe, it can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. A study published in Applied Biological Chemistry states that Maggi noodles are high in fat and low in important nutrients like fiber and iron. However, it does not claim that Maggi causes anemia or blood deficiency.

Joint pain is a broad term that includes various types and causes. It can result from inflammation, cartilage damage, nerve irritation, or underlying conditions like arthritis, injury, or infection. Common types include inflammatory joint pain (as in arthritis), mechanical pain (from wear and tear), and neuropathic pain (due to nerve involvement). A study published in the journal Research Society and Development states that regular instant noodles contain very low calcium, a mineral essential for bone and joint development. The study does not specifically mention Maggi instant noodles or state that instant noodles cause joint pain.

Memory loss, also called amnesia, can be short-term or long-lasting and may have physical or psychological causes. It can result from head injury, brain infections, lack of oxygen, stroke, alcohol misuse, or certain surgeries. Some people are born with memory problems, known as developmental amnesia. One study published in JAMA network mentions that those whose diets consisted of more than 20% ultra‑processed foods experienced a 28% faster global cognitive decline which includes memory and thinking decline. The study dose not emphasized any relation of memory loss with maggi or any instant noodle.

Kidney swelling, known medically as hydronephrosis, is a condition where urine builds up and causes one or both kidneys to enlarge. It can be caused by blockages such as kidney stones, tumors, or problems present from birth, and may affect kidney function if not treated. An article published in the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighted that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, including instant noodles, was significantly associated with a decline in kidney function over time. Again the study has no relation with maggi noodles and kidney swelling.

Whereas liver swelling, also known as hepatomegaly or an enlarged liver, may indicate conditions such as fatty liver disease, excessive alcohol use, hepatitis, or liver cancer. The research published in The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine found that individuals who frequently consumed instant noodles, often during lunch, had significantly higher levels of liver enzymes ALT and GGT, which are indicators of liver stress or damage. But the research does not refer to Maggi noodles by name or include any mention of liver swelling.

Hearing issues or hearing loss can happen due to loud noise, aging, infections, certain health conditions, or even some medicines. It may also be caused by earwax buildup or a damaged eardrum. The study published in the BMC Geriatrics mentioned that ultra-processed food intake causes high-frequency hearing loss compared to those who ate the least because of low nutitional value of ultra-processed food. But this study does highlight anything about instant noodle or Maggi noodle.

The above studies have indicated that Maggi noodles have low iron and calcium content, both essential for daily nutritional needs. Additionally, some studies suggest that instant noodles may elevate liver enzymes and impact liver function; however, there is no specific evidence linking these effects to Maggi noodles. While Maggi has low nutritional value, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that it causes blood deficiency, joint pain, memory problems, kidney or liver swelling, or hearing issues.

Dr. Leena Saju, Group Manager, Department of Clinical Nutrition, KIMSHEALTH told Medical Dialogues, "There is no clinical evidence linking instant noodles to joint pain, hearing loss, memory problem and anemia. Joint issues and memory problems are typically associated with inflammatory conditions or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, omega-3s, antioxidants). While processed foods with additives may promote low-grade inflammation when consumed in excess, occasional instant noodles consumption isn’t directly harmful."

Ms. Deepa Mishra, Manager, Nutrition & Dietetics, Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur added "Claims linking instant noodles like Maggi to conditions such as anaemia, joint pain, memory loss, or organ swelling lack scientific backing. These health issues are multifactorial and typically arise from chronic nutrient deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, or lifestyle factors. While instant noodles are low in key nutrients like iron, calcium, and fiber, occasional consumption as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to cause harm. However, regular reliance on ultra-processed foods can contribute to poor dietary quality and long-term health risks if not countered with adequate nutrition and lifestyle care."

Dr. Shubhadeep Das, MD, FRCPCH, FRCP (London & Edinburgh), Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist, said, "There is no scientific or clinical evidence that occasional consumption of packaged noodles like Maggi causes blood deficiency, joint pain, memory loss, or swelling of the liver, kidneys, or hearing problems in children or adults. Such claims are misleading and lack any backing from peer-reviewed medical literature. While excessive consumption of highly processed foods high in sodium, preservatives, and saturated fats is discouraged for growing children due to long-term health implications. Attributing severe multisystemic issues like organ swelling or hearing loss to a single food item without context is unfounded and alarmist."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While the claim that Maggi causes blood deficiency, joint pain, memory problems, kidney and liver swelling, and hearing issues has been raised, current scientific evidence does not support a direct link. Studies show that instant noodles, as ultra-processed foods, are often low in essential nutrients like iron and calcium and may contribute to broader health concerns when consumed frequently. However, none of the research specifically identifies Maggi as the cause of these conditions or confirms a direct connection to the health issues mentioned.

Hence, the claim is MOSTLY FALSE.