In response to some feedback and confusion around Food Additives, RNH is pleased to present a 5-part series explaining just what food additives are, what they do, and the potential health issues they may present.
Today we’re exploring part 3: Health concerns.
Chemicals may cause health concerns in some individuals living with food allergies or intolerances like fish, tree nut, or egg.
Other hypersensitive reactions which can be experienced can include diarrhoea and stomach pain, insomnia, or a rash.
Experiencing these symptoms after eating food can result in food additives being overly assessed as the culprit of the symptoms.
However, in terms of health risk, food additives are the least likely to cause illness. According to FSANZ, the most common cause is food-borne contamination, followed by inappropriate hygiene and eating habits, environmental contaminants, naturally occurring toxins, and lastly food additives.
If you feel like you may have a food sensitivity, speak with your doctor or health professional as many symptoms experienced can also be caused by other conditions, disorders, or illness.
Intolerances and allergies are real – they require appropriate scientific based testing and medical diagnosis.
Non-evidence-based testing such as hair and stool samples, or self-diagnosis of a food sensitivity, leads to unnecessary food restriction and possibly neglect of an underlying illness, condition, or sensitivity, often worsening the symptoms and food restriction over a prolonged period.
Prior to seeing your medical professional, keeping a food-symptom diary can be helpful, but should not delay seeking medical advice.