Over the past century, as more people moved from farms to cities, the demand increased for a year-round supply of many foods. As a result, food manufacturers stepped up the use of additives to extend shelf life, ensure the safety and heighten the appeal of their products. Today, most processed foods contain additives, both natural and man-made.
Federal authorities strictly regulate food additives. Before being approved, new additives undergo long-term testing. Food additives, like other chemicals, may produce adverse effects if consumed in large amounts. However, the quantities in food products are regulated to avert this possibility. Except for a very few people, who may be sensitive to certain additives, such as sulfites, adverse reactions are rare. For the general public, the benefits of additives far outweigh the risks, according to health authorities.
One specific area of concern is the effect of food additives on children. Certain brands of commercial baby food contain added sugar, salt, and modified food starch, which is why some health experts recommend organic baby-food products. Some research has linked food additives (particularly artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, and sugar) with hyperactivity in children, although there is no solid evidence to support this.
Another concern is that some food additives may interact with certain drugs. Possible culprits include nitrites (found in processed meats), cyclamates (artificial sweeteners), and methyl polysiloxane (found in cooking oil). More research on the problem, though, is needed.
Most food additives are perfectly harmless, but some may cause adverse effects in susceptible individuals. Some experts suggest that you may want to limit your intake of the seven substances listed below:
1. Aspartame – This is an artificial sweetener found in soft drinks and chewing gum, and is also used as an additive in drugs, especially in children’s medications. Excessive intake may trigger headaches and migraines in some people.
2. BHA or BHT – This functions as a preservative/antioxidant and is found in high-fat foods, such as bakery items, potato chips, oils, and cereals. Too much intake may cause allergic reactions.
3. FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) – This substance is an artificial color enhancer found in candy, ice cream, beverages, and custards. It may cause allergic reactions, such as hives, if taken excessively.
4. MSG (monosodium glutamate) – This is considered to be a food ingredient and is found in restaurant food, bouillon cubes, and soups. Excessive consumption may cause headaches, drowsiness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and tingling in face or arms.
5. Sodium Nitrate/Sodium Nitrite – This is used as a preservative/antimicrobial and is found in hot dogs, sausages, ham, processed lunch meats, and smoked fish. Too much intake may increase the risk of cancer; nitrates are converted by the body to nitrosamines, which are carcinogens; may interact with some drugs.
6. Sorbic Acid (potassium sorbate, calcium sorbate) – This functions as a preservative and is found in yogurts, processed cheeses, pickles and sauces, juices, jams, and jellies. It has no known adverse effects to health even with excessive ingestion.
7. Sulfites (sodium sulfite, sulfur dioxide, sodium or potassium bisulfate, sodium or potassium metabisulfite) – These substances are used as preservatives/antioxidants and are found in: dried, canned, or frozen fruit; wine; beer; maraschino cherries; bakery items; canned shrimp; precut potatoes; olives; and bottled lemon juice. Too much intake may cause asthma attacks, hives, diarrhea, nausea, and, in some cases, anaphylactic shock.
If you are concerned about ingesting too many food additives, the solution is fairly simple: eat more fresh meat, poultry, and fish instead of smoked or processed versions; limit your intake of junk food, prepackaged food, and diet sodas and other foods that contain artificial sweeteners; opt for fresh foods rather than canned whenever possible; and buy organic food when feasible.
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