Briefly about nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements

Food additives are substances that can enhance the taste and aroma of products, maintain their presentation for a long time and extend their shelf life.

Additives are used in the food industry. Almost all products on the counter in stores contain them - sausages and semi-finished meats, pickles, canned food, fruits and vegetables, various sweets (ice cream, sweets, desserts, jellies, yogurts, cheeses) and even bread.

Classification of food additives

I. By origin, the following food additives are distinguished:
1. Natural - are of plant or animal origin, include minerals in their composition.
2. Identical to natural - have the same properties as natural nutritional supplements, but synthesized in the laboratory.
3. Synthetic (artificial) - developed and synthesized in artificial conditions, have no analogues in nature.

II. There is a division of food additives by numerical code
Food additives are abbreviated as "E". There are several versions of the origin of this. Some experts argue that the name comes from Examined (translated means tested), while others believe that it comes from the word Europe. The letter "E" is always accompanied by a number indicating a group of nutritional supplements.
E 100-199 - dyes that enhance the natural color or restore the lost shade during the manufacture of the product

E 200-299 - preservatives that extend the shelf life of products

E 300-399 - antioxidants or antioxidants that prevent food spoilage
E 400-499 - thickeners, emulsifiers and stabilizers that affect the consistency of the product
E 500-599 - substances that preserve the structure of the product due to the normalization of acidity, humidity; they are also called baking powder; they prevent the "caking" of products
E 600-699 - flavor and odor enhancers
E 700-799 - food additives with pronounced antibacterial properties.
E 800-899 - category left for new additives
E 900-999 - sweeteners and defoamers
E 1000-1999 - a group of food additives with a wide spectrum of action: glazing agents (anti-flamings), salt melters, texturizers, separators, sealants, gas compressors

III. There are also useful, neutral, harmful and dangerous (prohibited) food additives. They will be discussed in more detail below.

Beneficial and harmful effects of food additives on the human body

Now the assertion is very popular that absolutely all food additives bring only harm. In fact, this is not true at all. They have their pros and cons, and some of them are even beneficial to the human body.

The great advantage of food additives is that they contribute to a longer storage of products, give them a “delicious” look, make them much more appetizing (which is very much appreciated by gourmets).

The main disadvantages include their negative impact on health. Various synthetic food additives damage organs and cause them to wear out quickly, because chemicals are hard to process by the human body. At high dosages, some supplements can be very dangerous.

Eating foods rich in flavor enhancers and flavors is everyone's business. Someone prefers to eat very tasty food, without attaching great importance to the fact that this can be harmful to health. Some people buy almost nothing in stores in order to avoid the negative effects of chemicals. And others can withstand the middle ground, eating most foods and observing “safety measures”.

Nutritional supplements useful for the human body

Curcumin (E100) - lowers blood cholesterol levels and increases hemoglobin, has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract (stimulates its peristalsis, normalizes intestinal microflora, is effective for intestinal infections and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, restores liver cells), prevents development of diabetes, arthritis and cancer.

Riboflavin (E101) - is vitamin B2. It is involved in fat and protein metabolism, in redox processes, in the synthesis of other vitamins in the body. Riboflavin maintains youthfulness and elasticity of the skin, is necessary for the normal formation and development of the fetus and the growth of children. It is also very effective for constant stress, depression and psycho-emotional stress.

Carotene (E160a), annatto extract (E160b), lycopene (E160d) are similar in composition and action to vitamin A, they are powerful antioxidants. They contribute to the preservation and improvement of visual acuity, strengthen the immune system, protect against cancer. Always remember that these substances are strong allergens.

Beet betanin (E162) - has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering vascular tone and thereby lowering blood pressure. Reduces the risk of myocardial infarction. Improves the absorption of proteins of plant and animal origin. Participates in the synthesis of choline, which stimulates the work of hepatocytes (liver cells). In addition, this substance has a strong anti-radiation effect. It also prevents the development or progression of oncological diseases, the degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.

Calcium carbonate (E170) is a simple chalk. With a deficiency of calcium in the body, it compensates for its deficiency. May affect blood coagulation. Takes part in muscle contractions, including the heart muscle. It is the main component of bones and teeth. Chalk in case of overdose has a toxic effect on the body, causing the development of milk-alkaline syndrome in it.

Lactic acid (E270) is found in dairy products and cheeses, sauerkraut and cucumbers. It normalizes the intestinal microflora and is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, promoting the absorption of carbohydrates.

Vitamin C (E300) - ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant and protects body cells from free radicals. Strengthens immunity. It is found in large quantities in blackcurrant, kiwi, apple, cabbage, onion, pepper.
Vitamin E (E306-309) - tocopherols accelerate the regeneration of the skin. Slow down the aging of the body, protect against the action of toxins. They thin the blood and stimulate the work of red blood cells, thereby favorably affecting the cardiovascular system.
Lecithin (E322) has a large number of useful properties. Found in egg yolk, caviar and milk. Contributes to the proper development of the nervous system. Increases immunity. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood and removes it from the body. Improves hematopoiesis, bile composition. Prevents the development of cirrhosis of the liver.

Agar (E406) is part of the algae. It is rich in vitamin PP and trace elements (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine). Its gelling effect is very often used in the food and confectionery industry. Agar, due to its high content of iodine, stimulates the thyroid gland. It is also able to bind and remove toxins and various toxins from the body. Another useful property of it is the improvement of bowel function.

Pectins (E440), the sources of which are apple, grapes, citrus fruits, plums. They remove toxins, toxins, heavy metals from the body. Helps cleanse the intestines. They protect the gastric mucosa from the action of damaging factors, have an analgesic and healing effect on ulcers. Reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. It should always be remembered that in large quantities pectins are strong allergens.

Neutral food additives

Chlorophyll (E140) is a dye. It colors food green. Completely safe for human health. Some experts argue that it is even useful - it removes toxins from the body, when applied externally, it can heal wounds and eliminate unpleasant odors emitted by the human body.

Sorbic acid (E202) has a powerful antimicrobial effect, because it is able to inhibit the growth of mold in products. It is absolutely safe for humans. It is most often added to sausages, cheeses, smoked meats, rye bread.

Acetic acid (E260) is the most common acidity regulator. In a small concentration, it is completely harmless to the body and even useful, because it promotes the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats. But at a concentration of 30% or more, it becomes dangerous due to the possibility of burns to the skin and mucous membranes of internal organs. It is used in the preparation of mayonnaise, various sauces, confectionery, in the preservation of vegetables, fish, meat.

Citric acid (E330) serves as a flavor enhancer, preservative and acidity regulator. Due to the fact that it is used in small dosages, it is safe for humans. But when working with concentrated solutions or when eating a large amount of citric acid, side effects can occur - burns of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus and stomach, irritation of the respiratory tract and skin.

Gum (E410, 412, 415) is a natural additive to ice cream, desserts, processed cheeses, canned vegetables and fruits, sauces, pies, bakery products. It is used because of its ability to form jelly to create a specific product structure. It also prevents its crystallization, which is very important for ice cream. Safe for human health. Its beneficial effect on appetite is noted - gum reduces it.

Mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471) serve as natural stabilizers and emulsifiers. They are part of mayonnaise, pate, yogurt. They are absolutely safe for health, but they have one important side effect - when they are used in large quantities, body weight increases.

Baking soda (E500) serves as a leavening agent in the manufacture of confectionery products (baked goods, cookies, cakes), because it prevents the products from caking and the formation of lumps in them. Harmless to humans.

Calcium and potassium iodides (E916, 917). These dietary supplements are under investigation, so they are not yet on the lists of prohibited or allowed substances. Theoretically, they should stimulate the thyroid gland. Can protect against radioactive radiation. With a large intake of iodine in the body, signs of poisoning appear, so these supplements should be consumed in moderation.

Acesulfame potassium (E950), Aspartame (E951), Sodium cyclamate (E952), Saccharin (E954), Thaumatin (E957), Maltitol (E965), Xylitol (E967), Erythritol (E968) - sweeteners and sugar substitutes. They are added to sodas, desserts, hard candies, chewing gums, and some low-calorie foods.

There is an active debate about the benefits and harms of these dietary supplements. Some believe that they are absolutely safe for the body, while others argue that these substances enhance the effect of carcinogens. There is also an opinion that sweeteners are wonderful sugar substitutes and are suitable for those who want to lose weight. Doctors warn of their negative effect on liver cells, especially in people who have had hepatitis.

Dangerous food additives and their effect on the human body

The following is a list of the most common food additives that pose a risk to human health. They are widely used in the food industry, despite the harm they cause.

Yellow-green quinoline (E104) is a dye. It is added to sweets, chewing gum, carbonated drinks, groceries, smoked fish. It can cause severe allergic reactions, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It has a negative impact on the health of children.

Benzoic acid and its derivatives (E210-213) cause great harm to human health, especially in children. They cause severe allergic reactions and the development of cancer, nervous excitement, and negatively affect the respiratory system and human intelligence. The list of products that include these nutritional supplements is huge. Here are some of them: chips, ketchup, canned vegetables and meat, carbonated drinks, juice. However, these substances are not banned in many countries.

Sulfites (E221-228) are a group of food additives that are still poorly understood and are considered hazardous to human health. They are preservatives and are added to canned fruits and vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, tomato pastes, starch, and wine. They process dried fruits and disinfect containers. These substances can cause severe allergic reactions, provoke attacks of bronchial asthma, irritating the respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal diseases. If the cooking technology is violated, they can lead to death.

Urotropin (E239) increases the shelf life of cheeses and canned caviar. It is dangerous to human health due to its strong carcinogenic effect. It is also a powerful allergen and causes various skin diseases.

Nitrites and nitrates (E250-252). These food additives are added to sausages to give them a rich pink color. In addition, they are able to protect products from oxidation and exposure to microbial agents. Despite such positive qualities, these substances are very dangerous for human health, because they have a powerful carcinogenic effect, provoking the development of lung and intestinal cancer. They often have allergic reactions up to suffocation. They also affect the cardiovascular system, either narrowing or expanding the vessels, thereby causing sharp jumps in blood pressure. Nitrates also affect the nervous system. This is manifested by headaches, impaired coordination, convulsions.

Propionates (E280-283) serve as preservatives. They are added to dairy products, bakery products, various sauces. They have a negative effect on the vessels of the brain, causing them to spasm. Migraine headaches can occur if these chemicals are used in excess. They are not recommended for children.

Carbon dioxide (E290) is one of the main components of carbonated drinks. It is able to wash out calcium, which is very harmful for a growing organism. It can provoke an exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach, belching and flatulence.

Ammonium chloride (E510) serves as a dough improver. It is added to yeast, bread, bakery products, diet food and flour. It has a strong negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, especially on the liver and intestines.

Monosodium glutamate (E621) is one of the most famous food additives. It belongs to the group of flavor enhancers. His perceived danger is slightly exaggerated. In fact, monosodium glutamate is a component of legumes, algae, soy sauce. In small quantities, it is completely harmless to the human body. But with the systematic use of a large number of products containing it (chips, seasonings, sauces, semi-finished products), accumulation and deposition of sodium salts in various organs occurs. As a result of this, diseases can develop: decreased visual acuity, tachycardia, general weakness, severe headaches, nervous agitation, allergies (itching of the skin and flushing of the face).
This is not a complete list. It includes only the most dangerous and commonly used food additives. In fact, there are many more of them.

Prohibited Food Additives

Yellow tartrazine (E102) is used as a coloring agent in ice cream, sweets, carbonated drinks, yoghurts. It can cause severe allergic reactions, migraines and nervous excitement. Very dangerous for children. Banned in most countries.

Citrus red (E121) is added to carbonated drinks, lollipops, ice cream. It is a powerful carcinogen. Banned in most countries.

Amaranth (E123) - dark red dye. It is a chemical food additive that affects the liver and kidneys, provoking the development of severe allergic reactions, chronic rhinitis and cancer. It is most often used in the preparation of products that are very fond of children - jellies, desserts, puddings, ice cream, breakfast cereals, muffins and so on. This substance is banned in most countries.

Formaldehyde (E240) is used as a preservative in the manufacture of meat and sausage products, various drinks (carbonated water, cold teas, juices) and sweets (desserts, candies, chewing gums, jellies). It has a carcinogenic effect, causes damage to the nervous system, allergies and intoxication of the body.

Potassium and calcium bromates (E924a, E 924b) serve as improvers and oxidizers in the production of bakery products, as well as defoamers in carbonated drinks. They have a powerful carcinogenic effect. Banned in most countries.

Dosing of nutritional supplements

For each food additive, an acceptable daily dose is determined at which human health will not be harmed. But the catch is that most often manufacturers do not write the content of the substance in the product on the packaging. The full composition can be found only in special laboratories. In the same place, an exact calculation of the additive for a given amount of the product was made.

There is a rule for distributing ingredients in descending order - the substance that is contained in the highest concentration is indicated first in the composition, and the least - the last.

Very often, manufacturers, in order to hide the shortcomings of a product, add food additives to it not according to technology, but to bring it to a “presentation”. Thus, they do not even know how many chemicals they contain. And the packaging does not always indicate the exact composition of the product.

To date, additives have flooded the food market so much that it is even difficult to say where they are not contained. It is also almost impossible to completely abandon the products sold in stores, especially if this applies to urban residents.

Therefore, you should try to minimize their use.

Below are some tips on how this can be done.
 Before buying any product, it is better to study its exact composition in advance (information can be found on the Internet);
 It should always be remembered that most often chemicals are dangerous when used in large quantities, whether it is a useful or dangerous additive;
 Also, their impact on the body depends on the age and weight of the person;
 During illness or when the immune system is weakened, chemicals do more harm, therefore, in such conditions, it is better to limit their use;
 Fibers of plant fiber, thanks to the pectin they contain, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Therefore, every day you need to eat fresh vegetables and fruits;
 Foods loaded with chemicals can form and release hazardous substances during heat treatment. The most harmful in this regard are aspartame (E951) and sodium nitrite (E250). Before you fry or boil the product, you must carefully study its composition.
 Do not eat brightly colored foods, vegetables and fruits out of season.
 It is imperative to limit the use of foods rich in food additives to children under five years of age (sausages and meat products, cheese, desserts, jellies, yogurts, seasonings and bouillon cubes, instant noodles, cereals, and so on).
 Well, and most importantly, everything should be in moderation - you don’t need to completely avoid products with additives, but you shouldn’t get too carried away with sausage, chips and fanta either. The body in a normal state is able to process a small amount of chemicals without harm to health. Their dangerous effects begin to appear with the systematic use of products with dyes and substitutes.

Today, food additives can be found in food stores almost everywhere. They are everywhere, even in bread. Perhaps they are not found in natural products, such as meat, cereals, milk, and also greens. However, it is impossible to be absolutely sure that they do not contain chemistry or GMOs. Often a wide variety of fruits are processed with preservatives for long-term preservation of the presentation.

Food additives in food are synthetic chemical or natural substances. Their independent use in food is not possible. They are only introduced into food products in order to endow them with certain qualities, such as taste, texture, color, smell, shelf life and appearance. How expedient their use and influence on human organisms are, are ongoing discussions.

Types of food additives

The phrase "nutritional supplements" alone makes many people feel frightened or annoyed. And this despite the fact that mankind has been using them for more than one millennium. But this has nothing to do with complex chemicals. This refers to table salt, lactic and acetic acid, spices and spices - these are also food additives. For example, carmines, dyes derived from insects, have been used since ancient times to give food a purple color. Currently, the substance is called E120.

Until the 20th century, manufacturers always sought to use only natural additives in the food production process. Over time, with the help of food chemistry, they began to develop the production of artificial food additives with the gradual replacement of most of the natural ones. Thus, palatability improvers were put on industrial flows.

Due to the fact that most of the food additives had long names that were difficult to fit on one label, for their easier recognition, experts from the European Union developed a special labeling system. The name of each individual nutritional supplement now begins with the letter "E", which stands for "Europe". It is followed by numbers that indicate that this variety belongs to a conditioned group with the designation of a certain additive. In the future, the system was finalized, and now it is an international classification.

Classification of food additives using codes

According to the classification using codes, food additives can be:

• From E100 to E181 - food coloring;
• From E200 to E296 - preservatives;
• From E300 to E363 - antioxidants, antioxidants;
• From E400 to E499 - stabilizers that retain consistency;
• From E500 to E575 - emulsifiers and baking powder;
• From E600 to E637 - flavors and flavor enhancers;
• From E700 to E800 - reserves, spare positions;
• From E900 to E 999 - anti-flaming agents designed to reduce foam, and sweeteners;
• From E1100 to E1105 - biological catalysts and enzymes;
• From E1400 to E 1449 - modified starches that help create the necessary consistency;
• From E1510 to E 1520 - solvents.

As for acidity regulators, sweeteners, leavening agents and glazing agents, they are available in all of the above groups.

The number of nutritional supplements is increasing almost daily. As a result, outdated additives are being replaced by new effective and safe substances. In particular, in recent years, the so-called complex food additives, which are a mixture of additives, have gained increasing popularity. The list of permitted substances is updated annually. For such substances, after the letter E, codes greater than 1000 appear.

Classification of food additives by application

Food supplements can be:

• Food colorings (E1...), which are food additives to recreate the color in products that was lost during their processing, to enhance its intensity, to introduce certain colors. Natural dyes can be obtained from parts of plants, which can be roots, berries, leaves, and flowers. In addition, food coloring can also be of animal origin. In natural dyes, there may be a certain content of biologically active, aromatic and flavoring substances that give the products an attractive appearance. Food colors are: carotenoids - yellow, orange, red; lycopenes - red; annatto extracts - yellow; flavonoids - blue, purple, red, yellow; chlorophyll and its derivatives - green; sugar colors - brown; carmine - purple. In addition, there are dyes produced synthetically. The main advantage of such substances, unlike natural ones, is greater color saturation, as well as longer shelf life;
• Preservatives (E2…) are food additives designed to extend the shelf life of food. Often, acetic, benzoic, sorbic and sulfurous acid, as well as salt and ethyl alcohol, can be used as preservatives. In addition, antibiotics such as nisin, biomycin, and nystatin can be used as preservatives. Dangerous food additives, such as synthetic preservatives, are prohibited from being added to products during their mass production, especially for baby food, fresh meat, bread, flour and milk;
• Antioxidants (E3 ...) are substances that prevent the deterioration of fat or fat-containing products, slow down the oxidation of wines, beer and soft drinks, and also protect vegetables and fruits from browning;
• Thickeners (E4...) are food additives designed to preserve and improve the structural basis in products. With the help of thickeners, the products are given the necessary consistency. With the help of emulsifiers, plastic properties and viscosity can be controlled. In bakery products in particular, a longer freshness can be achieved. All authorized thickeners are of natural origin. For example, E406 (agar) - extracted from seaweed. With its help, pastes, creams, and ice cream are made. E440 (pectin) - extracted from zest and apples and added to jelly and ice cream. Gelatin is of animal origin and is extracted from the bones, tendons and cartilage of agricultural animals. Peas, sorghum, corn and potatoes are raw materials for starches. Emulsifiers and antioxidants E476, E322 (lecithins) are extracted from vegetable oils. One of the natural emulsifiers is egg white. In recent years, the food industry has been busy producing large volumes of synthetic emulsifiers;
• Flavor enhancers (E6 ...) are food additives designed to make food more tasty and aromatic. In order to improve smell and taste, four main types of additives are used, which are aroma enhancers, taste enhancers, acidity regulators, and flavoring agents. Most fresh foods, such as vegetables, fish, meat, have a pronounced aroma and taste because they contain nucleotides. With their help, the taste is enhanced, the endings in the taste buds are stimulated. During processing or storage, the number of nucleotides may decrease, as a result of which they are produced artificially. For example, with the help of ethyl maltol and maltol, the perception of fruity and creamy aromas can be enhanced. They add a fat feel to low-calorie mayonnaise, yogurt, and ice cream. Often added to the products of the popular monosodium glutamate with a scandalous reputation. There is a lot of controversy around sweeteners, especially around aspartame E951, which is 200 times sweeter than sugar;
• Food flavorings, which are natural, artificial and identical to natural. Some contain only natural aromatic substances extracted from plants. They can be distillers of volatile substances, water-alcohol extracts, dry mixes and essences. To obtain identical natural food flavors, they are isolated from natural substances or by chemical synthesis. They possess chemical compounds found in animal or vegetable raw materials. Artificial food flavors may include artificial components, as well as contain portions of natural identical food flavors along with natural ones.

Producing fermented milk products, manufacturers use biologically active additives. Food and dietary supplements are slightly different from each other. The first can be consumed separately, as a supplement to food. Food and biologically active additives can be natural or identical to them. In Russia, dietary supplements are included in a separate category of food products. Their main purpose, in contrast to conventional nutritional supplements, is the improvement of human organisms, as well as their saturation with useful substances.

Healthy Food Supplements

Be that as it may, the E label can hide not only harmful and dangerous chemicals, but also harmless and even useful food additives. Experts do not recommend being suspicious of all nutritional supplements. Many substances, being additives, are extracts of natural products and plants. For example, apples contain substances designated by the letter E. In particular, ascorbic acid - E300, pectin - E440, riboflavin - E101, acetic acid - E260.

Despite the fact that apples contain a wide variety of substances that are considered food additives, no one calls them dangerous products. The same applies to other products.

Popular supplements that may be helpful include:

• E100 - curcumins that help to control weight;
• E101 - riboflavins, vitamins B2 involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin and metabolism;
• E160d - lycopenes that strengthen the immune system;
• E270 - lactic acid, which has antioxidant properties;
• E300 - ascorbic acid or vitamin C, which helps in increasing immunity, improves skin condition and brings considerable benefits;
• E322 - lecithins that support immunity, improve the quality of bile, as well as blood formation;
• E440 - pectins that cleanse the intestines;
• E916 - calcium iodates used in the enrichment of food with iodine.

Neutral food additives - relatively harmless

Relatively harmless, safe nutritional supplements are:

• E140 - chlorophylls, thanks to which plants become green;
• E162 - betanins, red dyes extracted from beets;
• E170 - calcium carbonate or ordinary chalk;
• E202 - potassium sorbitol, natural preservative;
• E290 - carbon dioxide, which helps turn ordinary drinks into carbonated ones;
• E500 - baking soda, a substance that is considered relatively harmless, because its use in large volumes adversely affects the gastrointestinal tract;
• E913 - lanolin, used as a glazing agent, especially in demand by the confectionery industry.

Harmful food additives are much more common than useful ones. Moreover, they can be not only synthetic, but also natural substances. The harm of food additives E can be quite large, especially if they are used systematically with food, and moreover, in considerable quantities.

Today, additives are very dangerous and prohibited in Russia, which are:

• Flour and bread improvers - E924a, E924d;
• Preservatives - E217, E216, E240;
• Dyes - E121, E173, E128, E123, Red 2G, E240.

List of harmful food additives

Due to the many studies of scientific experts, the lists of allowed or prohibited food additives are systematically changed. To get more detailed information and always be aware of what is happening, it is best to constantly monitor such changes. Particular attention should be paid to synthetic food additives. From a formal point of view, they are not considered prohibited, but many experts believe that such substances are extremely dangerous for people.

In particular, the notorious monosodium glutamate, codenamed E621, is a popular flavor enhancer. It seems impossible to call it completely harmful, because it is necessary for the brain and heart. When there is a deficiency of this substance in the body, then it can independently produce it.

An excess of monosodium glutamate has a toxic effect, with the liver and pancreas suffering the most. Consumption of E621 can lead to addiction, allergic reactions, brain damage and visual impairment. This substance has the greatest danger to children's, unprepared organisms. As a rule, the packaging does not indicate what the actual content of monosodium glutamate is in products.

The so-called safe additive E250 also raises many doubts. It's kind of a versatile additive because it's used as a coloring agent, antioxidant, preservative, and also a color stabilizer. Despite the fact that the harmfulness of sodium nitrate has been proven by scientists, it continues to be used in most countries of the world. It is found in meat and sausage products, they can be “stuffed” with herring, sprats, smoked fish and cheeses. Sodium nitrate has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract, is harmful to those who have cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis, and have liver problems. When ingested, this chemical can be converted into a strong carcinogen.

Synthetic dyes are almost all unsafe. They are prone to mutagenic, allergenic and carcinogenic effects. Antibiotics, which are used as preservatives, can cause dysbacteriosis and often cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in Russia, as evidenced by statistics. Thickeners have the property of absorbing substances, both harmful and useful, which can lead to obstruction of the absorption of minerals and useful substances necessary for the body.

Dietary phosphates can impair calcium absorption, which can lead to osteoporosis. Saccharins can cause tumors, for example, of the bladder, and aspartames can compete with monosodium glutamate in terms of harmfulness. In the process of heating food, such substances turn into powerful carcinogens, affect the composition of chemical elements in the brain, are dangerous for people with diabetes, and generally have many detrimental effects on the body.

The effect on the body of food additives

For a long period of history of the existence of a wide variety of nutritional supplements, they still showed their benefits. Additives have played an important role in improving the palatability of food products, extending shelf life, and also improved other positive characteristics.

Sodium nitrates, known as E250, highly demanded by the meat and sausage industry, despite their danger, prevent the development of many dangerous diseases, including botulism. Denying the negative effects of food additives is a road to nowhere. Sometimes manufacturers, seeking to extract maximum benefits for themselves, seek the help of scientists to create food products that are not entirely edible for human bodies. As a result, including humanity, there are more and more new diseases, allergic reactions of skin diseases, as well as simply a negative effect on the body. Therefore, one should be especially careful not only with clearly harmful substances, but with such additives as: E450, E476, E500, E330, E1422, E202, E171, E200, E422, E331, E220, E160a, E471, and E211.

When using nutritional supplements, it is advisable to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Study food labels and try to choose those that contain a minimum of E-additives;
• Do not use unfamiliar products, especially if they contain a wide variety of additives;
• If possible, avoid foods rich in sweeteners, flavor enhancers, thickeners, preservatives, and dyes;
• Stop your choice on natural and fresh products.

Nutritional supplements and human health are terms that are increasingly becoming compatible. A lot of research is being carried out in the world, the results of which reveal new facts. Many modern scientists believe that the increase in artificial food additives in the diet of people with a simultaneous decrease in the consumption of fresh natural products may be among the main reasons for the increase in cases of cancer, asthma, obesity, diabetes and depression.

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

Most of our food today contains substances that are specially added to it before consumption and are called food additives. And although many people are skeptical about their use (and often with good reason), nevertheless, food additives play a very important role in the food industry today.

Natural and synthetic food additives are chemicals that are added to food to extend the shelf life of foods, add nutritional benefits, make them easier to prepare, and improve taste, color, smell, and appearance.

Almost all natural products spoil quickly if they do not contain additives. In some cases, product changes over time are not very significant. So, for example, sugar crystals simply stick together, forming large pieces, which causes some inconvenience during its further use. The situation is different with dairy products, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables. They quickly become inedible - turn sour, rotten, bitter, and in most cases their use can result in poisoning.

The shelf life of foods can be extended by adding food additives called preservatives. Some of them slow down the growth and activity of micro-organisms found in foods, others, called antioxidants, slow down the breakdown (oxidation) of fats and oils that are widely used in food production. Other preservatives help keep foods moist or dry as needed and also catalyze other food additives. There are additives for the formation of various coatings that extend the shelf life of products.

Nutritional supplements are vitamins and minerals that restore balance that has been disturbed by food processing. Food additives play an important role in the preparation of special dietary meals.

Flavors, colors, flavor enhancers and textures make up the largest group of food additives known as cosmetic additives because they alter the taste perception of food.

Most nutritional supplements have their own code, consisting of the letter E and a three-digit number, which can be seen on the packaging in the list of ingredients. These codes refer to natural and synthetic food additives approved for use. Most colorants, preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, leavening agents, and stabilizers have their own E-code, while flavors, solvents, bleaches, starches, and sweeteners do not.

Many have a negative attitude towards food additives, and cosmetic ones in particular.

It is desirable that processed foods make up the minimum of our diet, and in general we should eat natural, environmentally friendly products.

This is how it should ideally be. However, in real life it is necessary to take into account a variety of factors. Among other things, the use of nutritional supplements gives us the opportunity to get the necessary amount of food. And given that today in the world many people are dying of hunger, this factor cannot be ignored.

Without additives, we would have to buy food daily and in small quantities to keep it from spoiling. This would certainly be inconvenient for many people who are busy all day at work. In addition, the choice of products in this case would be minimal due to seasonal restrictions.

On the other hand, it is impossible to completely eliminate the use of products with additives. The very fact that a huge number of flavors do not have an E-code and, accordingly, according to the law, should not be indicated on the label, makes it possible for all sorts of abuses.

However, it is known that many dyes and preservatives with E-codes can cause various diseases, such as allergies, asthma, indigestion and irritability, in particular in children. In many countries, the use of some food additives is completely prohibited.

Based on this, we can give a few tips and warnings. If you want to control the consumption of nutritional supplements, you must read and analyze the composition of products printed on their packaging. All of a sudden you find out that the ingredients in instant fruit dessert jelly are actually the same as those in soup bags! They are based on sugar, modified starch and fat. Substances are listed in descending order. So, if sugar and modified starch are placed at the top of the list, then this means that they form the basis of the content. Dyes, preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers and raising agents are indicated by E-codes, or their full name is given. Flavor enhancers are referred to as fragrances.

The label is often misleading. The label "Reduced Sugar or Salt" means that both ingredients were actually added, but in small amounts. “No Artificial Sweeteners” means that sugar has been added, while “Sugar Free” means that the product contains artificial sweeteners. Another trick is the word "natural". First, not everything natural is good. Secondly, some natural dyes may be completely unnatural for the product in which they were added.

In addition to those nutritional supplements listed on the label, many may be hidden, such as those introduced during cultivation and/or processing.

Insecticides and fungicides can be found in fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains. Chemical preparations received with feed can remain in the meat of animals after slaughter, and various substances are often introduced into raw meat to give and maintain a marketable appearance. Chickens are often given supplements in their feed to enhance the color of egg yolks, and this is not indicated on the packaging.

Supermarket shelves are crammed with goods, in the variety of which it is easy to get confused. Marketers use different tricks to increase sales. We inevitably stop and look at bright labels, we are interested in promotions and gifts that are offered upon purchase. But before opening the wallet, you must carefully read what is written on the seductive package. Most often, the composition is replete with obscure words, under which various additives are hidden. Therefore, you need to study harmful E well and beware of purchasing a product in which they are present.

What are they needed for?

Not everyone knows that nutritional supplements have been used at all times. Of course, they had little resemblance to modern synthetic compounds obtained by chemical means. Our ancestors used natural ingredients such as salt, spices, acetic acid to enhance the taste. Several thousand years ago, they learned to produce carmine, a natural dye obtained from insects. It is still used today, marked on the packaging as E 120.

Even in the last century, natural products were sold in stores, the shelf life of which was short. In recent years, the chemical industry has stepped forward, many new discoveries have appeared that food manufacturers have not failed to take advantage of. For many of them, enrichment comes first, so they care little about people's health. To increase the shelf life of products, improve their appearance, aroma and make them tastier, food additives are included in the composition, which are marked with the letter E.

These substances are compounds that are not used by humans in their pure form. They are specially added to a wide variety of products so that they do not deteriorate and look more appetizing.

The abbreviation E can be found on almost any product. It is even present on packages of baby food, bread and ice cream. This marking was invented in the European Union. Subsequently, it was finalized and established as an international standard indicating the composition of the goods.

Helpful information

Often, manufacturers claim that they use only natural supplements. This is another publicity stunt to increase sales, as most supplements are synthetic. Under certain circumstances, they can pose a health risk.

Recently, on some products there is no information about the content of E. Sometimes the packaging simply says the presence of a thickener or natural dye without specifying which additive was used.

This product is not worth buying. The reluctance to report what exactly is in the composition often indicates that the manufacturer has something to hide.

Now on sale it is very difficult to find products that do not contain food colors or synthetic additives. To exclude them from entering the body, you need to look for (or grow vegetables and fruits in your garden), completely abandon semi-finished products, canned food, purchased juices and sweets. But even if we turn to half measures, in any case, you need to reduce the use of harmful E, and for this you need to know the list of dangerous additives.

Numeric code

The letter E has no meaning without a numeric code next to it. It is he who tells the name, and to which group the substance belongs. Table E of nutritional supplements should be at hand to know what foods we eat.

Keep in mind that the number of food additives is constantly increasing. Chemists daily create new preservatives and synthetic substances that deprive foods of minimal benefit and often make them harmful. Recently, new additives have been developed that contain several chemical compounds at once.

Are there useful supplements?

Substances included in food products fall into three categories:

• natural, which include minerals and plant extracts;
• additives created artificially, but the composition does not differ from natural substances;
• synthetic compounds that are not found on earth, they are specially designed by man for different needs.

Not all substances added to food are potentially dangerous. There are E useful for humans. These include extracts of various plants and antioxidants.

• Curcumin labeled E100. This yellow dye is obtained from turmeric root. Scientists believe that it improves the body's resistance to infections and stimulates the heart. In the food industry, the dye is widely used for the production of mustard, confectionery and seasonings.
• Betanin E 162, made from beetroot juice. It is added to give products a bright red color. It breaks down quickly when exposed to light, so it is used for products with a short shelf life.
• Alpha-tocopherol E 307. This is the name of vitamin E. As a dietary supplement, it slows down oxidation and increases shelf life.

The products contain carotene E 160a, pectin E 440. Such additives cannot be considered harmful or dangerous. You need to understand exactly what substance is hidden behind the abbreviation. After all, it can be an ordinary vitamin, for example, B 12 (E101) or calcium iodate (E 916), which enriches products with iodine.

All these substances are best obtained by including natural foods in the diet. Then they will really benefit and improve health. But when it comes to choosing food at the supermarket, it's good to know which additives can't hurt.

Neutral E

There are many substances in food that are considered conditionally safe for humans. Most often, these are identical to natural supplements that do not harm the body in small quantities, but do not bring benefits either.

One of the most common is E 140. This is chlorophyll, which is used as a green dye. Doctors believe that it is not dangerous when eaten and even removes toxins from organs and tissues.

In second place is sorbic acid E 202. The preservative is an antimicrobial agent and is often present in sausages, cheeses, bread to prevent rapid spoilage of food, the appearance of an unpleasant odor and mold.

In third place is acetic acid E 260. It is needed to regulate acidity. In a small concentration, vinegar is not capable of harming, on the contrary, it breaks down fats. But if you exceed the permissible dose, the substance severely burns the gastric mucosa.

In fourth place is citric acid E 330. It enhances the quality of taste and maintains the level of acidity. It is added to food in microscopic doses, so it cannot adversely affect tissues. An overdose causes vomiting.

In fifth place is locust bean gum E 410. Like E 412, guar gum is considered harmless. These food additives are included in various purees to preserve flavor and texture.

In sixth place is E 500 baking soda. Everyone knows it well. The natural product is used in rolls and other dough products as a baking powder.

In seventh place - E 950 - E 957. These are different types of sweeteners. They are found in lollipops, sweet soda, jelly. Their use is allowed almost everywhere, but doctors advise to refrain from using substances. Studies have shown that sugar substitutes, especially in large quantities, adversely affect organs, cause dysbacteriosis and increase the harmful effects of carcinogens. Unfortunately, scientists have not yet thoroughly studied the effect of sweeteners on the body, so they remain on the list of permitted substances.

In eighth place - E 147, mono-fatty acids. It is used as a stabilizer and thickener in yogurt, mayonnaise and other thick foods. The supplement is normally absorbed by the body without causing side effects, but this, we note again, does not make it at least somewhat useful.

Particularly hazardous substances

There are many more harmful food additives E than relatively safe ones. These are the majority of dyes, so when you see tempting candies in ultra-bright colors in the store, do not rush to buy them for children. The table of harmful E is extensive. These substances must be well known, as they can cause dangerous diseases and poisoning.

• Dye E 121, which gives drinks a red color. Science has proven that its presence in the body provokes the development of tumors, it is banned in some countries. Despite the danger to humans, soda manufacturers often use a substance, so you need to pay close attention to the composition of drinks.
• Chemical additive amaranth E 123. A synthetic compound is prohibited in most countries, as it causes developmental pathology in the fetus, severe itching and impaired kidney function. The substance can be found in corn, oatmeal and baked goods, where it is placed to improve color and increase shelf life.
• E210 - E213, benzoic compounds. Found in effervescent liquids, pickled vegetables and other products. The attitude of manufacturers to people's health is surprising. The developers do not pay attention to the fact that the harmfulness of substances has been proven that they are banned in a number of countries, and continue to actively include them in products.

They can be found in cosmetics, canned fruits, various delicacies and salads. Such products should be boycotted and in no case should not be bought. Doctors have found out for sure that benzoic acid causes the growth of cancer cells, impairs mental development, makes a person hyperactive, interferes with concentration and assimilation of information.

• E 222 - E 228. Hydrosulfites and pyrosulfites. These E additives are harmful. Their effect on the body is little studied, but what is known makes you stay away from them. Poisoning, allergic reactions and asthma attacks are common side effects of their use. And if the goods are produced in violation of technological standards, an excessive amount of substances can kill a person. Carefully look through the composition of fruit purees, juices, starch, canned vegetables, this is where you can find these harmful additives.
• Nitrates E 250 - E 252. These are the strongest carcinogens that poison the body. Their use leads to migraines, pressure drops, asthma, problems in the heart and the appearance of tumors. Despite the glaring danger, manufacturers add nitrates to sausages and boiled sausage. With their help, you can achieve a bright beautiful color of products and protect them from quick spoilage.
• Carbon dioxide E 290 is on the list of harmful additives. Although carbon dioxide is an indispensable substance for the earth's atmosphere, doctors consider it dangerous to ingest and do not recommend drinking carbonated drinks. Through their fault, calcium is washed out of the body, belching and an unpleasant sensation in the stomach appear.
• Monosodium glutamate E 621. The flavor enhancer is sodium salts that can be found in wildlife. Excessive consumption of food with such an additive leads to the accumulation of salts in human organs. This threatens with visual impairment, allergies, red spots on the face and other unpleasant consequences. To exclude the ingress of a substance into the body, it is necessary to abandon ready-made cutlets, dumplings, pancakes, fast food, chips and broth cubes.
• E 924 a and b, potassium and calcium bromate. Substances are banned in almost all countries. Strong carcinogens, they provoke the activation of cancer cells. Used to reduce foam in liquids and as an oxidizing agent.

This is not a complete list of harmful food additives E, their table is much more extensive and is constantly being made larger due to new substances. Here are the compounds most commonly found in products sold in markets and stores.

Precautionary measures

It is difficult to find safe substances among synthetic compounds. Almost all of them are carcinogens and lead to allergies or gene mutations.

You have to be careful with antibiotics. They are often included in products as preservatives, although they destroy the natural intestinal microflora and lead to dysbacteriosis.

Stabilizers and thickeners prevent the full absorption of vitamins and minerals, and this adversely affects people's health.

In Russia, they do not pay due attention to food additives. The legislation in relation to them is very soft, and the list of prohibited substances is small. Therefore, buyers must take care of their own health. What can you do to protect yourself from dangerous E added to foods?

• Carefully study the composition and try not to take the product, the shelf life of which is several months or six months. For such a long time, freshness cannot be preserved naturally. Choose foods with the least amount of E.
• Don't buy products that don't have detailed ingredients and avoid unfamiliar products whenever possible. Refuse semi-finished products, canned food, sausages and smoked meats.
• Most store-bought drinks contain sugar substitutes and colorants. They will not benefit the body, so you should switch to homemade compotes and fruit drinks.

The detrimental effects of supplements on health are undeniable. Scientists have conducted many studies that directly prove that the increased incidence of asthma, cancer and allergies are associated with the presence in the diet of synthetic substances that are stuffed with foods.

Our life depends on what we eat, so we need to exclude products containing harmful food additives E. Their effect on the body has not been tested from all sides. Many biologists believe that the food sold in stores today will have a detrimental effect on future generations. Synthetic substances are foreign to our cells and it is not known what kind of mutagenic reactions our children and grandchildren can expect. Be more attentive to your health - except for yourself, no one will take care of it!

Random Fact:

Caffeine stimulates appetite by increasing the secretion of gastric juice. Therefore, regular consumption of caffeinated beverages on an empty stomach can cause stomach problems. —

Article added by user Unknown
05.05.2011

Briefly about nutritional supplements

Food additives are various substances added to foods to improve their taste, color, give them a special texture, and increase shelf life. In recent decades, the chemical industry has been developing by leaps and bounds, and on the products that we buy, we see more and more new names that are not always clear to us: thickeners, sweeteners, dyes, flavors, preservatives, etc. There are disputes about their necessity and harmlessness. Just in case, we all need to know what these labels on the packages mean.

Food additives are divided into several groups, according to the functions they perform.

Nutritional supplements increase the nutritional value of foods. It was with the help of such additives that it became possible to buy products that contain a large amount of various vitamins and microelements, the right amount of fats, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Antioxidants are used to keep food fresh for a long time. They must prevent the interaction of metals and food components, the loss of its color, taste.

Additives that help the products get the right look, color contribute to better whipping of cream into foam, curdling of fermented milk products. This includes chelating agents and sequestrants, as well as texture modifying agents.

Preservatives are well-known additives that allow you to keep the product for a long time without losing its taste and nutritional properties. Even ancient people used sugar, salt, smoke, on which they smoked products, as preservatives. Today, for the storage of vegetables and fruits, I use sodium benzoate, potassium. Vinegar is used as a preservative. Sulfites, sulfur dioxide are used to store dry vegetables and fruits. In the production of flour and dairy products, propionates play a huge role, which prevent molds from multiplying.

Dyes are used everywhere to give products a certain color. Dyes can be natural or synthetic. Recently, along with the fashion for a healthy lifestyle and environmentally friendly products, people prefer dyes with a natural base, which are mainly extracted from various plants.

Texturants are additives to give products a special, improved texture. For example, calcium makes canned tomatoes firmer and more resilient. Phosphates, on the contrary, soften, reduce the density of products. Emulsifiers give a thicker consistency to oily liquids. Baking powders are used in baking, for the appropriate characteristics of bakery products.

Sweeteners have been mined in large quantities since ancient times. The most common, of course, was sugar. However, the desire to reduce the calorie content of foods has led to the fact that they began to withdraw and use artificial sweeteners. Some artificial sweeteners are 200 times sweeter than sucrose, so research is ongoing to find the best options to improve the taste of products.

Many tend to believe that the very combination of "food additive" already carries the meaning of the fact that this is some kind of chemical compound, certainly harmful and dangerous. It should be noted that today there are many substances that meet all sanitary and epidemiological standards and are extracts of natural products: citric, acetic, lactic acid, sucrose. Of course, there are additives that are really unhealthy for our body, for example, nitrites contained in smoked sausage (the norm of the content of substances is higher, because it is believed that they are consumed in smaller quantities). Artificial dyes are often easy to recognize by their characteristic unnatural color and smell.