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PORPHYRIA FACTS: NUTRITION - FOOD ADDITIVES
Food additives are substances that becomes part of a food product when it is
added (intentionally or unintentionally) during the processing or production of
that specific food item.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS, RD
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Food additives can include food colorings or sweeteners, as well as
preservatives.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS, RD
++++++++++++
One of the most well known food additives is that of sulphites which
extend the shelf life of various food products as well as stopping discoloration of
some foods.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS, RD
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Food additives serve five main functions:
1. Maintain product consistency
Emulsifiers provide a consistent texture and prevent products from separating.
Stabilizers and thickeners provide a uniform texture. Anticaking agents enable
substances to flow freely.
2. Improve or preserve the nutrient value
Fortification and enrichment of foods has made it possible to improve the
nutritional status of the U.S. population. For example, vitamins and minerals are
added to many foods including flour, cereal, margarine, and milk. This helps to
make up for vitamins or minerals that may be low or completely lacking in an
individual's diet. All products that contain added nutrients must be labeled.
3. Maintain the wholesomeness and the palatability of foods
Contamination from bacteria can allow food-borne illnesses to occur.
Preservatives reduce the spoilage that air, fungi, bacteria, or yeast can cause.
Preservatives such as antioxidants help baked goods preserve their flavor by
preventing the fats and oils from becoming rancid. They also keep fresh fruits
from turning brown when exposed to the air.
4. Control the acidity and alkalinity, and to provide leavening
Specific additives assist in modification of the acidity or alkalinity of foods to
obtain a desired taste, color, or flavor. Leavening agents that release acids
when they are heated react with baking soda to help biscuits, cakes, and other
baked goods rise.
5. Provide color and enhance flavor
Certain colors improve the appearance of foods. There are many spices and
natural and synthetic flavors that bring out the best in the flavor of food.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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Intentional or direct food additives are added to foods to produce a desired
effect, such as to maintain freshness, improve nutritional quality, assist in
processing or preparing food, or make a food more appealing.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
++++++++++++
Unintentional or indirect food additives are substances that are found in food
during the production or the processing of a particular item.
These are present in minimal quantities in the final product.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
++++++++++++
The FDA has a list of foods generally recognized as safe (the GRAS list).
Many have not undergone any testing, but they are regarded as safe by the
scientific community.
These substances are put on the GRAS list, which contains approximately 700
items.
Examples of some of the items on this list are: guar gum, sugar, salt, and
vinegar.
The list is evaluated on an ongoing basis.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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Safe is defined by Congress as "reasonable certainty that no harm will result
from use of an additive."
Some substances that are found to be harmful to people or animals may be
allowed, but only at the level of 1/100th of the amount that is considered harmful.
This margin of safety is a protection for the consumer by limiting the intake of a
dangerous substance.
For example, some people are allergic to sulfites, and their reaction can be mild
or very severe.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
++++++++++++
People with any allergies or food intolerances should always check the
ingredient listing (label) for their own protection.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
++++++++++++
The list of additives has been changed dramatically since the time the
government began overseeing their safety.
It is still important to gather information about the safety of food additives.
General public is encouraged to inform the FDA of any adverse reactions they
experience to maintain data on food additives up to date.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
++++++++++++
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) supervise and regulate the use of additives in the products
they regulate.
However, people who have special diets or intolerances should be careful in
selecting products in the grocery store.
SOURCE:
Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H.
Family Practice and Community Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA.
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