Food additives are incorporated into food recipes for a number of reasons, including to enhance a product's flavor or to extend its shelf life. Regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, food additives have traditionally caused controversy, as some are linked to health concerns like stomach upset or cancer. Some food additives may be considered harmful or dangerous to certain populations, especially pregnant women and children.
Trans Fats
Trans fats were initially created as a replacement for butter, lard or coconut oil because they were less expensive to produce. These fats are added to many prepackaged foods, such as baked goods and chips, to extend their shelf life. Trans fats are considered harmful additives because they increase the low-density lipoprotein -- also known as LDL -- cholesterol in your body. Known as the "bad" form of cholesterol, this cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Nutrition labels list trans fats, and you should avoid any degree of trans fats in your foods. Terms like partially hydrogenated, fractionated or hydrogenated can all signal that trans fats have been added.
Olestra
Also known as Olean, olestra was pioneered as an alternative fat that could be added to chips. Because the body does not absorb olestra, it was marketed as the no-calorie fat. However, olestra was found to have harmful side effects, including diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramping and flatulence. In rare occasions, patients presented with severe versions of these symptoms. Instead of foods that contain olestra, use baked products that do not place as much stress on the intestines.
Food Dyes
Artificial coloring is added to many foods, especially kids' foods, to enhance their appearance. Such food dyes can be added to juice, frozen pops, fruit bars and candy. Some food dyes have been linked with increasing hyperactivity in children, affecting their behavior and making it difficult for them to concentrate. Examples include tartrazine, ponceau 4R, sunset yellow, camoisine, quinoline yellow and allura red. These additives also may be referred to by their dye numbers, which are E102, E124, E110, E122, E104 and E129, respectively. If your child is known to have hyperactivity or concentration problems, avoid the consumption of these additives.
Sodium Nitrites/Nitrates
Sodium nitrites or nitrates act as preservatives and coloring for meats, including hot dogs, ham, bacon, lunch meats and corned beef. These additives were initially used to preserve the red color in meats and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause botulism. However, sodium nitrites and nitrates have been linked with the creation of nitrosamines in the body, which are chemicals that can cause cancer. Although the food industry has scaled back its use of sodium nitrates and nitrites in favor of other bacteria-prevention mechanisms, pregnant women are advised to use caution and avoid consuming foods that contain them.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Listing of Food Additive Status Part I: May 5, 2010
- "Reader's Digest"; 4 Most Harmful Ingredients in Packaged Foods
- "Mail Online": Harmful Food Additives: Sean Poulter: Jan. 30, 2008
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: Chemical Cuisine: Learn About Food Additives: 2009
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