Food additives are substances added to foods and beverages for preserved or enhanced flavor or appearance. All food additives are subject to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be sold to consumers in the United States. Although generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, certain additives cause adverse reactions in some people. If you suspect a sensitivity or allergy to particular additives, consume primarily whole, natural foods and seek specified guidance from your doctor.
Artificial Coloring
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood neurobehavioral disorders. Although numerous types of ADHD exist, hyperactivity is one of the main potential characteristics. Artificial colors may increase hyperactivity in children with ADHD, according to MayoClinic.com child psychiatrist Dr. John E. Huxsahl. Food coloring most likely to cause problems include FD&C Yellow No. 6, or sunset yellow, FD&C Red No.40, or allura red, FD&C Yellow No. 5, or tartrazine, and D&C Yellow No. 10, or quinoline yellow. Artificial coloring also cause digestive symptoms in some people. To avoid these risks, limit commercially-baked cakes, frozen desserts, custards and artificially-colored beverages if you have ADHD or suspect a sensitivity. Natural alternatives include home-baked desserts with butter cream frosting, all-fruit frozen bars, fresh fruit and smoothies prepared with milk and fresh or frozen fruit.
Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is created through an industrial process in which hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. The result is a long-lasting, solid fat-form, rich in trans-fats, that adds flavor and texture to foods. Unfortunately, trans-fats can cause damage to most anyone. Trans-fats can increase your LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and lower your HDL, or "good," cholesterol, leading to heightened risk for serious conditions, such as heart disease. If you require 2,000 calories per day, the American Heart Association recommends limiting your trans-fat intake to no more than 20 calories, or 3g, daily. Many Americans consume naturally-occurring trans-fats daily, leaving virtually no room for the manufactured form in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Common sources of this additive include stick margarine, shortening, doughnuts, french fries and commercially baked pie crusts, biscuits, pizza, crackers and cookies.
Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium glutamate consists of sodium from the amino acid called L-glutamic acid. MSG is created through a fermentation process that uses molasses from sugar beet or cane and starch from tapioca, corn and other sources and is used as a flavor enhancer in various restaurant foods, salad dressings, soups, chips and frozen entrees. Although MSG is generally considered safe, avoiding it may prove helpful if you follow a low-sodium diet. MSG may also cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headaches, weakness and digestive symptoms if you have a sensitivity. If you have asthma, consuming large amounts of MSG may pose problems.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a bitter substance that occurs naturally in coffee and tea. Caffeine is also used as an additive in energy drinks, soft drinks and various "energy boosting" gum and diet products. Although many people tolerate moderate amounts of caffeine, or the amount found in eight to 16 oz of coffee, without experiencing severe adverse symptoms, its stimulatory effects may cause shakiness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and sleep difficulties in some people. The more caffeine you consume and the greater your sensitivity, the higher your risk for side effects becomes. Caffeine is also mildly addictive, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. If you become dependent on caffeinated foods or beverages, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal, such as headaches, lethargy and mood swings when you skip your usual dose.
References
- Food and Drug Administration: Determining the Regulatory Status of a Food Ingredient
- MayoClinic.com: ADHD Diet: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
- MayoClinic.com: Allergy Causes
- American Heart Association: Trans Fats
- Center for Scient in the Public Interest: Food Additives
- CNN: Food Central: Common Food Additives
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