Food Additives And Allergies

There may be a connection between food additives and allergies. A food additive is any substance which is added to a food product to enhance it in some way. Additives may be used to add color, texture or extend the shelf life of the food. Many consumers would be shocked to learn just how many different additives there are. They include things like acids, anticaking agents, food dyes, emulsifiers, humectants, preservatives, stabilizers, sweeteners, thickening agents and many more. Unless specified otherwise, most processed and packaged foods contain additives.

You may have heard quite a bit about food additives in the media. There is a lot of hype out there in regards to food additives being dangerous or harmful. The truth is that most additives are perfectly safe for most people. There are, however, certain additives that some people have reported as allergenic or harmful to them in some way. For example, some people experience an intolerance to aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener. MSG, aka monosodium glutamate, is another additive that some people should avoid. MSG used to be found in Chinese food, but many Chinese restaurants and food manufacturers have stopped using MSG.

Sulfites are another type of additive that may be problematic for some. Found in red wine, sulfites are also used to prevent the discoloration of light colored fruits and vegetables. Because sulfites can cause allergic reactions, especially in people with asthma, it is the law that products containing sulfites be labeled as such. Yet another additive that you may want to watch out for is FD&C Yellow No.5. This coloring agent, also called tartrazine, may cause hives and itching in certain people. All colorants must be listed on product labels according to United States law.

If you want to learn more about food additives and allergies, the FDA offers a lot of information for consumers. You can request information through their website if you are unable to find what you are looking for online. If you think you have food allergies, you should ask your doctor to refer you to a board certified allergist who can perform an evaluation and reach a diagnosis. Common tests for food allergies include skin tests and blood tests. Once a diagnosis has been made your doctor will tell you more about what kind of allergies you suffer from and what treatment options are available.



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