|
PORPHYRIA FACTS: NUTRITION - SULPHUR & SULPHITES
What are sulphites?
" Sulfiting agents, or "sulfites," are another group of chemicals added to foods,
beverages and pharmaceuticals.
SOURCE:
When is Food "Allergy" not an Allergy?
North Shore Allergy & Asthma Institute
Dr. Paul B. Lang, M.D. F.A.A.A.I
Board Certified:
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Silfites are chemicals that are often added to foods to give them added shelf life.
SOURCE:
Virginia Derosier MSN RD
Nutrition
+++++++++++++++++++++++
What are sulphite preservatives and what do I need to know in order to avoid
them?
A widely used preservative and antioxidant in foods. Often used to keep lettuce
fresh.
It is also common in packaged potato products, as well as other produce, certain
types of seafood and even in beer and wine.
Sulphites are currently used in over 1,000 drug products both prescription and
nonprescription.
Common label names: sulphur dioxide, potassium bisulphite, potassium
metabisulphite, sodium metabisulphite or sodium sulphite.
SOURCE:
Gray's Medical Encylopedia
+++++++++++++++++++++
What are the reactions caused by sulfites?
Sulfiting agents, or "sulfits," are another group of chemicals added to foods,
beverages and pharmaceuticals.
Many people with asthma experience wheezing and shortness of breath after
exposure to sulfites. In most cases, the reaction is a direct effect of the sulfites
on the human nervous system producing narrowing of the airways.
Some non-asthmatic persons have also reported facial flushing, headache and
lowered blood pressure after consuming sulfites.
After the discovery of sulfite sensitive patients, the FDA began regulating sulfite
use in 1986. they banned sulfites in fresh fruits and vegetables. "
SOURCE:
When is Food "Allergy" not an Allergy?
North Shore Allergy & Asthma Institute
Dr. Paul B. Lang, M.D. F.A.A.A.I
Board Certified:
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Do sulphites can some porphyria patients to experience flushing?
Some patients have noted skin reactions to sulphites such as flushing.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+Can flushing present whea person is exposed to sulphites?
Some persons have reported facial flushing, headache and lowered
blood pressure after consuming sulfites.
SOURCE:
When is Food "Allergy" not an Allergy?
North Shore Allergy & Asthma Institute
Dr. Paul B. Lang, M.D. F.A.A.A.I
Board Certified:
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sulphite ingestion can in some patients cause lowed blood pressure.
Ryan Whitney PA
Emergency Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Headache and malaise have been indicated by some porphyria p[atients after
consuming foods containing sulphites.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Many people with asthma experience wheezing and shortness of breath after
exposure to sulfites.
In most cases, the reaction is a direct effect of the sulfites onthe human nervous
system producing narrowing of the airways.
SOURCE:
When is Food "Allergy" not an Allergy?
North Shore Allergy & Asthma Institute
Dr. Paul B. Lang, M.D. F.A.A.A.I
Board Certified:
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What do sulphite containing foods do to porphyria patients?
Sulphite containing foods can be most damaging to porphyria patients with
cutaneous symptoms causing itchy skin, rash.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson [HCP] MSN RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In the acute porphyrias slphite containing foods can also cause shortness of
breath, sweating, along with other anaphatic response.
Sulphite containing foods include:
Dried fruit
Lemon and lime juice
Wine
Molasses
Sauerkraut
Fresh shrimp
Grape juice
Be aware of preservatives in foods as most preservatives contain sulphites.
Geraldine Paska RD
Nutrition Department
Dietary Specialist
++++++++++++++++++++++
Are sulphits used as preservatives in dexztrose used for iv infusion?
In medical intravenous feeding be aware that corn syrup is used in the plain
dextrose solutions and that sulphites are added to preserve the clarity of the
solution.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MND RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What are sulphites used for?
These chemicals are added to foods and drinks to prevent deterioration and
are also used as preservatives in a variety of medications.
SOURCE:
Adventis
WAO
2000-2001
++++++++++++++++++++++++
What are the sulfite agents?
Sulfite agents include: sodium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, potassium
bisulfite, and sulfur dioxide.
These are used to prevent discoloration and bacterial growth in foods.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Since sulfites are bad for most porphyrias,which foods should be avoided?
Most restaurants use sulfites to preserve the salads, avocado dip, cut or sliced
fruit, cole slaw, canned or frozen shellfish, canned mushrooms, sauces and
gravies, pickles, frozen French fries, potato chips, wine vinegar, cider, potatoes,
baked goods, sausages, beer and wines.
SOURCE:
Porphyria Nutrionist
Sheryl Wilson (HCP) R.D.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sulfites can be found in any type of food. Some people have had severe attacks
after consuming foods containing sulfites.
Even death can result from consuming sulfite.
SOURCE:
Melissa Johannsen MSN RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Porphyria patients and patients with other liver diseases such as cirrhosis,
or hepaitus are to avoiid all foods and drugs containing sulphur.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Since porphyria patients need to avoid sulphur, which foods contain sulpher?
The veggies of the Cruciferae family contain sulfur compounds.
This includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, kohlrabi,
mustard, rutabage, and turnips.
Raw onions also contain sulfur. It is the sulfur in the onion that causes a person
to cry when they are being peeled.
SOURCE:
Donna Handley, MS, RD.
Gourmet Connection Magazine
CAPCO
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Should raw onions be avoided by porphyria patients?
Sulphur is contained in raw onions and should be avoided since sulphur is a
known trigger of porphyria.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Are foods with sulphur contraindicated for porphyrics?
Sulphur is contraindicated in porphyrics.
SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Does the consumptuion of kale need to be avoided?
Kale is a member of the Cruciferae family and contains sulphur.
SOURCE:
Elizabeth Pleissouant RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Turnips should be avoided by porphyria patients as turnips contain sulphur
elements.
Sheryl Wilson [HCP] MSN RD.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brussel sprouts are known triggers of heme synthesis due to containg sulphur
compounds.
Also in this same family of vegetables is cabbage.
SOURCE:
Betsy Hensley RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kohlradi is a sulphur containing vegetables and is to be avoided by porphyria
patients.
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson [HCP] MNS, R
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mustard is a member of the Cruciferae family of vegetables.
Mustard contains sulphur compound which need to be avoided by porphyria
patients.
SOURCE:
Betsy Hensley RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Broccoli is a sulophur containing food.
Broccoli also should be avoided by persons who are on anticoagulation therapy
as broccoli is high in Vitamin K.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rutabaga contains sulphur elements and should be avoided by porphyria
patients.
SOURCE:
Betsy Hensley R.D.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Is garlic safe for porphyria patients?
Garlic is promoted for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Garlic contains various sulfur-containing compounds, which are derived from
allicin.
Chopped garlic-and-oil mixes left at room temperature can result in fatal botulism
food poisoning according to the FDA.
Clostridium botulinum bacteria are dispersed throughout the environment but are
not dangerous in the presence of oxygen.
The spores produce a deadly toxin in anaerobic, low-acid conditions.
The garlic-and-oil mixture produces that environment.
SOURCE:
Review of Abnormal Laboratory Test
Results and Toxic Effects Due to Use of Herbal Medicines
Amitava Dasgupta, PhD,
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,
University of Texas-Houston Medical School
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
2003; 120(1):127-137
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sulphur containing foods must be avoided by those with acute hepatic
porphyrias.
Sulphur containg foods include:
Tomatoes
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Kale
Kohrabi
Mustard
Rutabaga
Turnips
Egg Yokes
Raw onion
SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Why are tomatoes not o.k. for porphycis?
Tomatoes contain a high amount of sulphur. Sulphur is a known inducer of heme
synthesis.
SOURCE:
Vivian DeLong RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tomatoes contain a high amount of sulphur.
Sulphur is contraindicated in porphyrics.
Tomatoes can be eaten, but in moderation.
SOURCE:
Rhonda Norby RD
Nutrition
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Tomatoes may due aggravate cutaneous symptoms of porphyria.
SOURCE:
Jonathan Germaine PA
Dermatology
++++++++++++++++++++++
Sulphur is contraindicated in porphyrics.
Tomatoes can be eaten, but in moderation.
It should also be noted that they may be contraindicated due to aggravation of
cutaneous symptoms of porphyria.
SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Is sulphur to be avoided by porphyria patients?
Sulfur is used to treat many kinds of skin disorders.
Sulfur cream, lotion, ointment, and bar soap are used to treat acne.
Sulfur ointment is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and scabies.
Sulfur may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Alcohol and sulfur combination is used in the treatment of acne and oily skin.
Some of the products are tinted a flesh color and can be used as a makeup or
cover-up.
Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common
topical OTC medications used to treat acne.
Most people, though not all, are able to process it, but when sulfur is used to
create sulfites, many experience adverse reactions.
The Food and Drug administration believes that 19 deaths have been the result
of a reaction.
The Feingold Association (FAUS) has received reports from some members that
sulfur-based additives have been found to trigger various reactions in adults and
children.
These include life-threatening respiratory distress, hives, sleep apnea, and
behavioral reactions, including temper tantrums.
Some asthmatics are very sensitive to the sulfur-based preservatives.
Foods and rugs derived from sulphur elements or containing sulphur are to be
avoided by patients with liver disease.
SOURCE:
Sulfur. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Medline
Sulfur and Sulfites.
Pure Facts
Dec/Jan 1996,Vol.19, No.10
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FDA GUIDE TO FOODS AND DRUGS WITH SULFITES
The following foods and drugs may contain sulfites, according to the Food and
Drug Administration.
Not all manufacturers use sulfites in these products, and the amounts may vary.
Remember to check the product label.
Food Category Type of Food
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer, cocktail mixes, wine, wine coolers.
Baked Goods
Cookies, crackers, mixes with dried fruits or vegetables, pie crust, pizza crust,
quiche crust, flour tortillas.
Beverage Bases
Dried citrus fruit beverage mixes.
Condiments and Relishes
Horseradish, onion and pickle relishes, pickles, olives, salad dressing mixes,
wine vinegar.
Confections and Frostings
Brown, raw, powdered or white sugar derived from sugar beets.
Modified Dairy Products
Filled milk (a specially prepared skim milk in which vegetable oils, rather than
animal fats, are added to increase its fat content).
Drugs
Antiemetics (taken to prevent nausea), cardiovascular drugs, antibiotics,
tranquilizers, intravenous muscle relaxants, analgesics (painkillers),
anesthetics, steroids and nebulized bronchodilator solutions (used for treatment
of asthma).
Fish and Shellfish
Canned clams; fresh, frozen, canned or dried shrimp; frozen lobster;
scallops; dried cod.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Sulfite use banned (except for fresh potatoes).
Gelatins, Puddings
Fruit fillings, flavored and and Fillings unflavored gelatin, pectin jelling agents.
Grain Products and Pastas
Cornstarch, modified food starch, spinach pasta, gravies,
Jams and Jellies
Jams and jellies.
Nuts and Nut Products
Shredded coconut.
Plant Protein Products
Soy protein.
Processed Fruits
Canned, bottled or frozen fruit juices (including lemon, lime, grape and apple);
dried fruit;canned, bottled or frozen dietetic fruit or fruit juices; maraschino
cherries and glazed fruit.
Processed Vegetables
Vegetable juice, canned vegetables (including potatoes),
pickled vegetables (including sauerkraut), dried vegetables, instant
mashed potatoes, frozen potatoes and potato salad.
Snack Foods
Dried fruit snacks, trail mixes, filled crackers.
Soups and Soup Mixes
Canned seafood soups, dried soup mixes.
Sweet Sauces, Toppings
Corn syrup, maple syrup, fruit toppings, and Syrups high-fructose corn syrup,
pancake syrup.Tea Instant tea, liquid tea concentrates.
SOURCE:
US FDA
+++++++++
Products That Contain Sulfites
Sulfites can occur naturally in foods or are added to enhance food products.
Sulfites are made naturally during the fermentation of wine.
There is a variety of foods that contain sulfites. Some of them include baked
goods, soup mixes, jams, canned vegetables, pickled foods, gravies, dried fruit,
potato chips, trail mix, beer, wine, vegetable juices, bottled lemon juice, bottled
lime juice, tea, condiments, molasses, fresh or frozen shrimp, guacamole,
maraschino cherries, and dehydrated, pre-cut, or peeled potatoes.
Government Regulations
Scientists have not pinpointed the smallest concentration of sulfites needed to
trigger a reaction in a sulfite-sensitive person.
Because many reactions have been reported, the FDA requires the presence of
sulfites in processed foods to be declared on the label.
That is, sulfites used specifically as preservatives must be listed on the label,
regardless of the amount in the finished product. Be aware, some items are
exempt from the labeling laws.
When in doubt about a product, contact the manufacturer.
Manufacturers and processors must disclose the presence of sulfiting agents on
the label if it contains concentrations of at least 10 parts per million (PPM).
Unfortuneately, concentrations lower than 10 PPM have triggered attacks.
FDA prohibits the use of sulfites on fresh produce intended to be sold or served
raw to consumers, and because sulfites destroy thiamin (vitamin B1), the FDA
also prohibits the use of sulfites in foods that are important sources of this
nutrient, such as enriched flour.
Preservatives that contain sulfites are prohibited on meats because they restore
the red color, giving meat a false appearance of freshness.
Avoidance
Reading labels is the best way to avoid sulfites in foods.
When eating out, be sure to check with the restaurant to make sure they do not
use sulfites in preparing the food.
Sulfites are often used in preparing potato dishes to keep them from discoloring.
Since bottled lemon juice contains sodium bisulfite, make sure only fresh
lemons are used in preparing your food.
Treatment
Asthma sufferers should always carry an inhaler when dining out. Also, if a
reaction to sulfites has happened before, carry an antihistamine and a
self-administering injectable epinephrine.
What to Do If You Are Sulfite-Sensitive
"By law, adverse reactions to drugs must be reported to FDA by doctors or
pharmaceutical companies.
But with sulfites and other food ingredients, reporting is voluntary so it's difficult
to say just how many people may be at risk," cautions the FDA
Many people do not seek medical treatment when they suffer from this disorder,
therefore statistics are incomplete.
If you experience any adverse reaction from eating a food that contains sulfites,
be sure to report the circumstances and your reaction to the FDA district office in
your area.
Also send your report in writing
to:
Adverse Reaction Monitoring
System (HFS-636)
200 C St., S.W.
Washington, DC 20204
SOURCE:
US FDA
AVOIDING CORN SYRUP IN FOODS & MEDICINES
Some problematic foods
Some foods necessarily contain corn or corn products and some necessarily
don't.
The great majority of foods lie in between, and there's the problem.
Always read the labels.
And remember that the processing of corn syrups is known to contain sulfites.
applesauce
Most applesauce is sweetened, and corn syrup is the sweetener of choice.
aspirin and other medications
Nearly every solid or liquid medication that I've checked contains corn starch or
corn syrup.
The only corn-free analgesics I found has been Adult Strength Liquid Tylenol
and Alka-Seltzer.
Excedrin (which has caffeine) and Empirin are both free of corn products.
Sudafed is made with potato starch, but some formulations also have corn
starch. One that, is Sudafed Plus.
Benadryl is available in liquid forms free from corn products.
baby formula
Most baby formulas contain a substantial amount of corn syrup.
bread and baked goods
Commercially baked bread is almost certain to contain corn products.
Pita bread (if it's reasonably authentic) is the only likely exception.
Donuts are almost certain to have corn products in glaze, coating sugar, filling,
or batter.
breakfast cereals
Nearly everything in the cereal aisle is either made of corn or sweetened with
corn syrup.
Chinese food
Corn starch is the standard thickener for Chinese sauces.
cold cuts
Cold cuts (cooked ham, turkey, roast beef, bologna, pastrami, corned beef, and
the like) are often treated with dextrose, corn syrup, food starch, or caramel
coloring.
fast food
Fast food is a complete disaster if you're allergic to corn syrup.
Soft drinks, cheap ice cream, and frozen yogurt. Margarine, salad dressings, and
ketchup are all dangerous.
soft drinks
All of the major soft drinks (i.e., everything made by Coca-Cola or Pepsi) are
sweetened with corn syrup or Nutrasweet.
+++++++++++++++++
Which of the sulfur and sulfite containing products or exposure should acute
porphyria patients take concern?
Sulfur dioxide
Sodium sulfite
Sodium bisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite
Potassium metabisulfite
SOURCE:
Bernard Yeager PhD
Toxicology
+++++++++++++++
Sulfur dioxide is produced commercially by burning sulfur or various
sulfides or by recovering it from flue gases or non-ferrous metal smelting gases.
Large quantities are used as intermediates in the manufacture of
sulfuric acid and sulfite pulp.
Sulfur dioxide is also used in the food and beverage industries as, among other
things, a biocide and a preservative.
Both sodium and potassium metabisulfure are used in food processing, chemical
industries,water treatment, photoprocessing and the textile industry.
A Canadian population-based case-control study has suggested an increased
risk for stomach cancer in persons exposed to sulfur dioxide.
Sulfur dioxide and bisulfite have induced gene mutation but not
gene conversion in yeast.
Sulfur dioxide, sulfites, bisulfites and metabisulfites are not classifiable
as to their carcinogenicity to humans .
Synonyms for Sulfur dioxide
* Sulfurous acid anhydride
* Sulfurous anhydride
* Sulfurous oxide
* Sulfur oxide [SO2]
* Sulphur dioxide
* Sulfur superoxide
Synonyms for Sodium sulfite
* Anhydrous sodium sulfite
* Disodium sulfite
* Sodium sulphite
* Sulfurous acid, disodium salt
Synonyms for Sodium bisulfite
* Hydrogen sulfite sodium
* Monosodium sulfite
* Sodium acid sulfite
* Sodium bisulphite
* Sodium hydrogen sulfite
* Sodium sulfite [NaHSO3]
* Sulfurous acid, monosodium salt
Synonyms for Sodium metabisulfite
* Disodium disulfite
* Disodium metabisulfite
* Disodium pyrosulfite
* Disulfurous acid, disodium salt
* Pyrosulfurous acid, disodium salt
* Sodium disulfite
* Sodium metabisulphite
* Sodium pyrosulfite
Synonyms for Potassium metabisulfite
* Dipotassium disulfite
* Dipotassium metabisulfite
* Dipotassium pyrosulfite
* Disulfurous acid, dipotassium salt
* Potassium disulfite
* Potassium metabisulfite
* Potassium pyrosulfite
* Pyrosulfurous acid, dipotassium salt
|
