Additives are found everywhere in our packaged food products but what do those little numbers mean and which ones should you look out for? Here’s our list of the top 7 list of food additives to avoid:
Aspartame # 951 C found in Diet Foods & diet soft drinks, equal,
Linked to many health problems including cancer, asthma, nausea, depressions, hyperactivity, seizures.
Causes dizziness, headaches & hallucinations
Olestra (Fat substitute) found in chips, crackers (no fat/reduced fat)
Causes diarrheas, cramps, flatulence, increases appetite, decrease the ability for fat soluble vitamins to be absorbed.
Erythrosine #E127 (red) found in jams, sugar lollies, toppings & fillings, red cordials and soups
Causes concentration, increase in hyperactivity in kids, nerve toxin

MSG #621 found in Chinese, salad dressings, soups, chips
Linked to Asthma, hyperactivity, depression, mood changes, sleeplessness, nausea, migraine, linked to infertility, teratogen, convulsions, abdominal discomfort. See text re other hidden sources of MSG

Causes headaches, dizziness, migraines, convulsions
Sodium Nitrate #251/250 found in Bacon, ham, salami, corned beef, hot dogs
Linked to Hyperactivity, behavioral problems, asthma, headaches, dizziness, possible carcinogen. Prohibited in foods for infants and young children.
Sulfites  #222/223/228 eg: sodium bisulphite (222)Found in wine, beer and dried fruit
Linked  to migraines and asthma attacks in some people
Tartrazine #E102 (yellow) found in lollies, desserts, cereal and soft drinks
Linked to Hyperactivity, behavioral problems, skin rashes, migraines and thyroid problems.
Unfortunately, to add to the confusion, they won’t always be listed under these names or numbers. For example, Tartrazine #E102 is listed as FD&C yellow 5 or C.I. 19140. Be consumer aware and download the free app Additive Alert!
For more information on becoming consumer aware with your foods, call our Currambine practice on 9304 1000 to make an appointment with our in-house dietician.