Adverse Effects

of Food
Additives
Quarter 2 Module 5
 After passing through this module, you are expected to
explain the adverse effects of consuming products with food
additives. Specifically, it will help you to:

1.Identify the diseases related on consuming products with food

additives.
2. Describe the adverse effects to health associated on ingesting
products with food additives.
3.Recognize the importance of explaining adverse effects of food
additives.
 Directions: Identify the food preservative being described in each statement.
Choose your answer on the box.
Brominated Oils
__________ 1. These compounds can cause changes in cardiac tissue, kidney
damage, swelling of the thyroid, increase fatty deposits in the liver and withered
testes.
__________
Benzoates 2. This preservatives are usually used for pickle, margarine, fruit
puree and juices and is known to cause allergies and even damage to the brain.
__________
Sulfites 3. These compounds can cause diverse side effects such as
palpitations and allergic reactions like asthma and rhinitis.
__________
Maleic Hydrazide 4. This preservative is usually applied to potatoes so that they do not
sprout. It is a chemical inhibitor and can even cause cancer.
Propyl__________
Gallate 5. It is a dangerous preservative which can cause complications at
birth and even lead to long term liver damage.
Adverse Effects
of Food
Additives
 Adverse Effects of Food Additives

1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

one of the most commonly added flavor enhancer in Chinese dishes,

canned vegetables, crackers, salad dressing, soups and processed
meats.

gives the processed foods a distinctive scent, known in Japanese as

umami.

The Food and drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a

generally recognized as safe food additive but its use remains
controversial.
1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Adverse Reactions to MSG-containing foods

Headache,
Flushing,
Sweating,
facial pressure or tightness,
Numbness, Chest pains and fatigue are some of
tingling or burning in the ears, neck the adverse effects of consuming food
and other areas, products that are high in MSG.
quick flattering heartbeats (health
palpitations), The foods that frequently contain
chest pain, MSG are chips and snacks,
Nausea, seasoning blends, frozen meals,
Fatigue. soups, dried meats and instant
noodle products.
2. Aspartame (NutraSweet)

most commonly used artificial sweetener in the world.

a synthetic chemical with methyl ester consisting of the amino

acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid.

The methyl ester breaks down into methanol that when ingested can
be converted into formaldehyde
2. Aspartame (NutraSweet)

Serious Health Complications that linked to

Aspartame

Cancer,
Brain tumors,
Cardiovascular diseases,
Alzheimer’s’ disease, Migraine is a neurological condition that is
Strokes, often marked by intense headaches. It is
Dementia one of the adverse effects of consuming
as well as detrimental effects such as products that are high in aspartame and
tartrazine.
intestinal dysbiosis, mood disorders,
headache and migraine.
Some examples of aspartame-containing
products include diet soda, sugar-free ice
cream, reduced-calorie fruit juice, gum, yogurt
and sugarless candy.
3. Tartrazine

most frequently used yellow dye in drinks,

sweets, ice cream, desserts, cheese, frozen
vegetables, hotdog, salad dressing, salt
seasoning and ketchup.

tartrazine has shown to cause many distinct side effects and allergic
reactions in individuals.

Migraines, nervousness, asthma attacks, hazy vision, eczema, other

skin rashes and cancer of the thyroid may be involved.
4. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole
(BHA)

are widely used preservatives used to prevent

color, odor and taste changes in butter,
meats, cereals, chewing gum, baked
products, dehydrated potatoes and beer.

These compounds are rarely associated with chronic hives and other
skin reactions.
5. Guar gum

used for thickening and binding foods as a

long-chain carbohydrate.

It is commonly use and can be found in ice

cream, salad dressings, sauces and soups in the
food industry.

High concentrations of guar gum can have adverse health effects

causing symptoms like gas, bloating or cramps. It can also cause
complications such as esophageal or small intestine obstruction.
6. Parabens

another example of food preservatives, but when used in food, they

are not called parabens, rather, they were given E-numbers.

Methylparaben (food additive E218) and ethylparaben (E214) are the

most widely used parabens in foods.

Propylparaben (E216), hepthylparaben (E209) and Butylparaben are

other parabens present in foods.

Beer, sauces, sweets, soft drinks,

processed fish, preserves, pickles, frozen dairy
products, processed vegetables and flavouring
syrups are common products containing
parabens.
6. Parabens

have a molecular structure similar to the hormone estrogen

Research shows that estrogen mimicking has established them

as endocrine disruptors, and parabens have been correlated with
early puberty cases in girls.

Endocrine disruption can lead to a number of problem overtime

including adult onset acne, growth of the male breast,
developmental and neurological disorders and different cancers.

Other studies have showed thyroid hormone levels can also be

changed by parabens.
6. Parabens

Although some research have shown that parabens can imitate

the action of the hormone estrogen in the cells of the body, some
types of breast cancer are associated with this estrogenic activity.

Estrogen is a female hormone that has been identified to be

triggering the development and division of both normal and
cancerous breast cells.

Parabens were also found present in breast tumors.

 7. High fructose corn syrup

a sweetener derived from corn.

commonly found in soda, juice,

sweets, breakfast cereals and snack
foods.

It has been related to weight gain and diabetes.

In one research, fructose -sweetened drink
caused substantial rises in belly fat and blood
sugar levels plus reduced insulin sensitivity
compared to glucose sweetened drink.
Belly fat is deposited around the
abdominal organs in the midsection
of the body. Research has shown
that elevated levels of belly fat are
associated with an increased risk
of heart disease, diabetes and
some cancers.
8. Carrageenan

derived from red seaweed, functions in different

food items as a thickener, emulsifier and
preservative.

Almond, milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, coffee

creamers and dairy-free foods such as vegan
cheese are popular sources of carrageenan.

Carrageenan is thought to have detrimental

effect on digestive health and may be associated
with the production and growth of intestinal
ulcers, colitis and even colon cancer.
Some studies have shown
evidences that carrageenan is highly
inflammatory and toxic to the
digestive tract.
9. Trans fat

type of unsaturated fat that has been hydrogenated.

It improves shelf life and product quality of many kinds of processed

foods, such as baked foods, margarine, microwavable popcorn and
biscuits.

Several studies have been associated high trans fat intake with
higher risk of heart disease.
10. Cottonseed oil

similar to olive oil, high in polysaturated fat which helps reduce

“bad” cholesterol and increase” good cholesterol”.

It is used in cooking and often as a home remedy for some skin

disorders and illnesses.

The controversy surrounding cottonseed oil consumption is linked to

the dangers associated with gossypol.

Gossypol have been shown to have many adverse side effects, including
infertility and decreased sperm counts and issues with pregnancy
motility, embryo development liver damage, respiratory failure and
anorexia.