Home

The official (and this includes government and dieticians) line is that all additives that have been sanctioned for use in this country are safe (within a specified dosage range), though a few individuals have demonstrable allergies – they are the minority.

But some scientific (see clickable guide below) and certainly a lot of anecdotal evidence, seems to suggest otherwise.

Some aspects of the additive saga that have not been adequately investigated include the synergistic and cumulative effects of a wide variety of chemicals added to the diet, overall dosage of these different additives and environmental issues that may be causing us to be more intolerant/allergic individuals.

Additives generally considered safe:
Colours
101 (B2)
160(a) (betacarotene, Vitamin A)

Antioxidants
300-304 (types of Vitamin C)
306-309 (types of Vitamin E)

Emulsifier
322 (lecithin)

Stabilizers
375 (niacin)
40 (pectin)

In an allergic individual (prone to rashes, asthma, eczema, hayfever etc) treat all other additives with suspicion.

If you experience mood changes or suspect your child of having ADHD or learning difficulties – an unrefined diet will have the added benefit of being nutrient rich, regardless if the jury is still out on the role additives play in these conditions.

References

A clickable reference guide to each additive, linking to abstracts from medical databases

Food Intolerance Network - Sue Dengate (mother and author of books on food intolerances). Check out the Nasty Foods awards.

Top 20 additives to avoid and also the handful that are ok to eat.

MBM (Mutual Benefits Marketing) additive guide

Update: check out a further post on additives in infant medicines

Gill Stannards B.A., Dip. App. Sci. (Naturopathy)
City Natural Therapies
510/220 Collins Street, Melbourne,
9650 3419
healthtrip.blogspot.com

Or you can tune into "Health Trip" on RRR for naturopathic advice and talkback, alternate mondays at 10.30 am (during The Long Grass Sessions).