Food additives are substances added to foods for enhanced flavor, shelf life, texture, appearance or wholesomeness. Although listed as "generally recognized as safe" by the Food and Drug Administration, certain additives pose negative effects in some people. Over 700 additives have made the FDA's GRAS list, including sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate and guar gum and vinegar, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you suspect that you have sensitivity to food additives, seek guidance from your doctor.
Allergy-Like Symptoms
Food additives cause symptoms similar to allergic reactions in some people. Relatively rare, adverse reactions to food additives affect less than 1 percent of the general population, according to a report published in "Current Opinion in Allergy & Clinical Immunology" in June 2009. The report said adverse reactions also affect between 2 and 7 percent of people with atopic conditions, or prone to allergic reactions, such as hay fever or asthma. Sulfites, used to preserve canned fruit, wine and dried fruit, may trigger asthma attacks. MSG, food colorings and artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol and aspartame, may pose similar effects.
Poor Nutrition and Weight Gain
Added sugars, such as corn syrup, cane sugar, sucrose, fructose and dextrose, give flavor, texture, preservation and calories to a variety of commercial foods and beverages. Foods high in added sugars and fat account for roughly 35 percent of a typical American diet, according to Mayo Clinic -- more than double the recommended limit. Eating excessive amounts of added sugar leaves less room in your diet for nutritious fare, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and may contribute to weight gain. To avoid these risks, limit foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars. These include regular soft drinks, candy, milk chocolate, pancake syrup, jellies, jams, frosting, frozen desserts and commercially-baked pastries, cookies, pies and cakes.
High Blood Pressure
One-quarter tsp. of salt provides 600 mg of sodium, over one-third of the 1,500 mg maximum per day recommended by the American Heart Association. A sodium-rich diet increases water retention in your body, making your heart work harder and significantly increasing your risk for high blood pressure. Left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to serious, potentially fatal conditions, such as heart attack, stroke and heart disease. Because natural foods typically contain enough sodium to support you basic needs of the mineral, the AHA suggests limiting foods high in added salt, such as processed meats, potato, corn and tortilla chips and canned foods. It also suggests replacing table salt with salt-free seasoning, such as natural herbs. Weight gain associated with a sugar-rich diet also increases your risk for high blood pressure.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity is one of numerous potential symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which affects the way your brain functions and, often, your behavior. Food colorings, such as FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No.40, and the preservative sodium benzoate may trigger or worsen hyperactive behavior in some children with ADHD, according to Mayo Clinic child psychiatrist Dr. John E. Huxsahl. Common sources of food coloring and sodium benzoate include sugary cereals, candy, colored beverages, frozen desserts, custard, prepared frosting and other commercial foods. If you're prone to hyperactivity, choose whole, natural foods, homemade baked goods and fatty fish, such as salmon, which may improve brain function, most often.
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