Food manufacturers add substances to food during processing known as food additives. These function to maintain product consistency, improve nutrient value, adjust the acidity or alkalinity and improve color or flavor, according to MedlinePlus. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, oversees the use of food additives and has compiled a list "generally recognized as safe." Although food additives may be considered safe, many have not undergone testing and some people may have adverse reactions to the food additives, such as those with gout.
Guanylic Acid
Guanylic acid is a nucleotide made from dried fish, dried yeast extract or dried seaweed. It's used as a flavor enhancer in food, according to the Foodditive website. It can be found in processed cheese, fat spreads, fat-based desserts, dried vegetables, canned vegetables, breakfast cereals, pre-cooked pastas, luncheon meat, broths, seasonings and condiments. Guanylic acid may increase gout symptoms, according to the Food Reactions website.
Disodium Guanylate
Disodium guanylate is the disodium salt of guanylic acid. It's also a flavor enhancer made from dried fish, yeast or dried seaweed. It's commonly found in instant noodles, potato chips, savory rice, cured meats and packet soups, according to the Foodditives website.
Calcium Guanylate
Calcium guanylate is the calcium salt of guanylic acid. It's an odorless, white crystal powder that adds flavor to food. It can be found in foods such as cured meats, packet soups, low-sodium food products, potato chips and instant noodles, according to the Foodditives website.
Disodium Inosinate
Disodium Inosinate is prepared by yeast or bacterial fermentation of molasses, sugar cane or sugar beets. It's a flavor enhancer usually used in conjunction with monosodium glutamate, or MSG. Disodium inosinate can be found in processed cheese, fat-based desserts, processed fruits, breakfast cereals, fried vegetables, semi-preserved fish, fish products, egg-based desserts, soups, seasonings and condiments. The Foodditives website says disodium inosinate makes bland food taste good.
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