According to Certified Nutritionist Dr. Janet Hull, of Sweetpoison.com, there are more than 14,000 chemicals that are added to our food supply. Food additives are man-made chemicals that are potentially unhealthy for humans and especially harmful for children. Children suffer the most from the effects of food additives, as they are exposed to them from infancy, so it is important to learn about the types of chemicals that are commonly added to foods and which ones to avoid. For this information, it is best to consult your pediatrician or nutritionist.
Aspartame
Aspartame is a sugar substitute that should be avoided, according to Dr. Hull. There are various harmful effects of aspartame that primarily stem from an ingredient it contains called phenylketonuria (PKU), which is an amino acid that cannot be metabolized by some babies. High levels of PKU in the blood can lead to mental retardation. In addition, aspartame may cause improper brain function and abnormal behavior changes over time. Some common symptoms of high levels of aspartame in the diet include dizziness, headaches, seizures and menstrual irregularity.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant present in coffee, tea, cocoa and coffee-flavored foods, but is often added to soft drinks, energy drinks and other drinks commonly consumed by children. According to cspinet.org, caffeine can be addictive, which is one of the reasons that soft drink makers add it to their products. Caffeine may also affect sleep patterns, increase anxiety and affect calcium metabolism. Once children or other consumers become accustomed to the effects of the caffeine, withdrawing from it can cause headaches, irritability, sleepiness and lethargy.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that is often added to soups, salad dressings and frozen dinners. According to cspinet.org, MSG in foods often replaces the presence of real ingredients. High levels of MSG in the diet can cause headaches, nausea, weakness and difficulty breathing. People who are sensitive to MSG, especially young children, should also avoid natural flavorings and hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, which also contain glutamate.
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