Question

report on 5 different food additives that you research (be sure to include what information you used for your report.) Tell me things for example, what they come from, why they are used , contraindications, and what potential side effects they may have.

Answer 1

A food additive is a substance that directly or indirectly alters the characteristics of the food. The substance can be added at the production, processing, treatment, packaging, transportation and storage of food the food material. Hence manufacturers have to prove to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the materials coming in contact with food are safe before they are permitted for public use.

1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): MSG is the most common food additive that is used in canned food, processed meat and Chinese dishes. MSG is made from corn starch, sugar cane, sugar beets or molasses by fermentation process using bacteria - Corynebacterium glutamicum. It is used as a flavour enhancer. Sides effects vary from Nausea, Headache, Numbness or burning sensation on a face to rapid heart palpitations. Yet it is recognized safe and approved by FDA.

2.Sodium Nitrate(NaNO3): Sodium Nitrate is added to meat and fish products as in enhances shelf life and preventing the growth of the bacteria. It has a property of curing in meat. It is prepared synthetically and posses no harm to humans but when we eat sodium nitrate a part of it, and a small part of it is transformed in sodium nitrite (NaNO2) by the bacterial flora of the oral cavity. Sodium nitrite thus acting indirectly is the really dangerous molecule that causes methaemoglobinaemia and has carcinogenic effects.

3.Guar Gum: Guar gum is a long carbohydrate that is used as a binding or thickening agent in icecream sauces and creams. It is obtained by dehydrating and processing of dry Guar seeds. Though this possesses health benefits of curing bowel syndrome. Excessive use can lead show mild symptoms of flatulence, bloating and cramps in children to oesophageal and intestinal obstruction in adults.

4. High Fructose Corn syrup: High-fructose corn syrup is an artifical sweetener extracted from corn. It’s found predominantly in all soft drink bevarages, juice, candy, snacks and cereals. As the name suggests it is rich in simple sugar called fructose, which can cause serious health issues when consumed in high amounts. Its consumption is correlated to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

5. Carrageenan: Carageenan is another well known thicker, emulsifier and preservative used in major food substances involving milk and meat products. It was originally obtained from brown moss (Sea Weed). Its role as emulsifier is to encourage the suspension of one liquid in another liquid, as observed in mixture of oil and water. Carrageenan is often known to increase blood sugar levels and cause glucose intolerance, when combined with a high fat diet.