Dangerous e-additives. Harmful food additives

There are a lot of foreign food products in Russia now. Moreover, not all the best is brought to us. And our customers often find it difficult to understand the quality of the product. One of the indicators of quality and safety for consumption is what food additives are contained in a particular product. After all, to give the product certain qualities, various substances are added to it, which are sometimes poisons for the body. Moreover, some manufacturers “honestly” warn the buyer about this by placing a list of food additives in the ingredients using a special code (the so-called INS - International Numerical System) - a code of three or four digits, which in Europe is preceded by the letter E. Here we wanted tell us a little about such additives.

So, remember! The letter “E” stands for Europe, and the digital code is a characteristic of the food additive to the product.

A code starting with 1 means dyes; 2 - preservatives, 3 - antioxidants (they prevent spoilage of the product), 4 - stabilizers (preserve its consistency), 5 - emulsifiers (maintain the structure), 6 - flavor and aroma enhancers, 9 - anti-flaming, that is antifoaming agents. Indices with a four-digit number indicate the presence of sweeteners - substances that preserve the friability of sugar or salt, glazing agents.

Are these supplements harmful? Food experts believe that the letter “E” is not as scary as it is painted: the use of additives is allowed in many countries, most of them do not side effects. But doctors often have a different opinion.

For example, preservatives E-230, E-231 and E-232 are used when processing fruits (that's where oranges or bananas come from on store shelves that don't spoil for years!), and they are nothing more than... PHENOLS! The one that, when it enters our body in small doses, provokes cancer, and in large doses it is simply pure poison. Of course, they apply it for good purposes: to prevent spoilage of the product. And only on the peel of the fruit. And washing fruit before eating, we wash off the phenol. But do everyone always wash the same bananas? Someone just peels it, and then takes the flesh with the same hands. So much for phenol!

In addition, there are food additives that are strictly prohibited in Russia. Remember them: E-121 is a dye (citrus red), E-240 is an equally dangerous formaldehyde. Powdered aluminum is coded under the sign E-173, which is used to decorate imported sweets and other confectionery and which is also prohibited here.

But there are also harmless and even useful “E”. For example, the additive E-163 (dye) is just anthocyanin from grape skins. E-338 (antioxidant) and E-450 (stabilizer) are harmless phosphates that are necessary for our bones.

But doctors still insist on this conclusion: even those food additives that are made from natural raw materials still undergo deep chemical processing. And therefore, the consequences, you understand, can be ambiguous. So it is better to eat something that is grown with your own hands without any chemicals and preserved without preservatives. It’s just a pity that not all of us are gardeners and gardeners...

Food additives prohibited for use in the Russian Federation:
E121, E123, E240
Food additives not approved for use in the Russian Federation:

E103, E107, E125, E127, E128, E140, E153-155, E160d, E160f, E166, E173-175, E180, E182, E209, E213-219, E225-228, E230-233, E237, E238, E241, E252, E253, E264, E281-283, E302, E303, E305, E308-314, E317, E318, E323-325, E328, E329, E343-345, E349, E350-352, E355-357, E359, E365- 368, E370, E375, E381, E384, E387-390, E399, E403, E408, E409, E418, E419, E429-436, E441-444, E446, E462, E463, E465, E467, E474, E476-480, E482-489, E491-496, E505, E512, E519-523, E535, E537, E538, E541, E542, E550, E552, E554-557, E559, E560, E574, E576, E577, E579, E580, E622- 625, E628, E629, E632-635, E640, E641, E906, E908-911, E913, E916-919, E922-926, E929, E942-946, E957, E959, E1000, E1001, E1105, E1503, E15 21.

Some characteristics of other nutritional supplements:

List of chemical designations of food additives in alphabetical order:

O - dangerous; Z - prohibited; P - suspicious; P—crustaceous; RK - intestinal disorders; VK - harmful to the skin; X - cholesterol; RZh - indigestion; OO - very dangerous; RD - arterial pressure; C - rash; GM - genetically modified

Classification of food additives:

Agar-agar, 1) RK RJ
Sodium adipates
Potassium adipates
Adipic acid
Azorubin, crimson WITH
Allura red AC ABOUT
Aluminum (powder-like) ABOUT
Aluminosilicate ABOUT
Calcium aluminum silicate ABOUT
Potassium aluminum silicate ABOUT
Sodium aluminum silicate ABOUT
Sodium aluminum phosphate ABOUT
Ammonium alginate ABOUT
Potassium alginate ABOUT
Calcium alginate ABOUT
Sodium alginate
Alginic acid ABOUT
Alpha tocopherol
Amaranth OR Leads to the accumulation of lime in the kidneys!
Annatto, bixin, norbixin
Anthocyanin
Arabinogalactan
Calcium ascorbate
Sodium ascorbate
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbyl palmitate
Aspartame 2) OO GM
Acesulfame potassium
Potassium acetates
Calcium acetates
Sodium acetates
Acetylated distarch adipate
Acetylated distarch phosphate
Acetylated starch
Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

1) Natural, plant-based gelling agent from red algae. Indigestible. Interferes with the absorption of minerals by the body. In large doses it has a laxative effect.

2) 200 times sweeter than sugar. In Japan and the USA - genetically modified! If not cleaned properly and in large dosages, it can be hazardous to health! The permissible dose per day is 40 mg per 1 kg of weight. In a person weighing 60 kg, this dose is already achieved after consuming 1.2 kg of Light yoghurt or 8 cups of coffee sweetened with aspartame. For a child weighing 25 kg, 600 g of “Light” yogurt is enough.

Gamma tocopherol
Hexamethylenetetramine C 2) - red caviar
Guaiac resin
Ammonium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide
Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate
Hydroxypropyl starch
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Hydroxypropylcellulose RK - If more than 6 grams!
Potassium hydrosulfite
Calcium hydrosulfite O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Sodium hydrosulfite RJ O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Glycerol
Monocalcium glutamate OO - Crispy potatoes, flour products!
Magnesium glutamate ABOUT
Glutamic acid ABOUT
Monosodium glutamate I-substituted ABOUT
I-substituted potassium glutamate ABOUT
Ammonium glutamate I-substituted ABOUT
Ferrous gluconate A - No more than 20 grams per day!
Potassium gluconate A - No more than 20 grams per day!
Calcium gluconate A - No more than 20 grams per day!
Sodium gluconate O - No more than 20 grams per day
Gluconic acid A - No more than 20 grams per day!
Glucono-delta-lactone A - No more than 20 grams per day!
Calcium guanylate
Guanilic acid
Guar gum WITH
Gum arabic WITH

2) An artificial substance, made from ammonia and formaldehyde. IN Western Europe allowed only in Provalone cheeses. Used in medicines, for disinfection of skin and urinary tract, and also as a preservative in cosmetics

Delta tocopherol
Dipotassium guanylate E628
Dipotassium inosinate
Distarch phosphate
Dimethyl dicarbonate
Disodium 5"-ribonucleotide
Disodium guanylate
Disodium inosinate
Sodium diphosphates RKO - Destroys calcium, magnesium, iron!
Diphenyl C O 3)
Diazomonoxide
Dimethyl dicarbonate ABOUT
Amorphous silicon dioxide (silicic acid)
Carbon dioxide
Silica
Sulfur dioxide OO - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Titanium dioxide
Dodecyl galate WITH

3) Allowed as a preservative against mold and fungi for the treatment of citrus peels; it can be transferred with your fingers to the pulp of the fruit itself. It is recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning. In animals in large doses it causes internal bleeding and organ changes.

Carob gum WITH
Gum karaya ABOUT
Guaiac gum P
Xanthan gum
Tara gum WITH
Gellan gum
Xylitol A - No more than 50 grams per day!
Carrageenan About the Republic of Kazakhstan
Urea (urea)
Shiny blue dye
Dye black VC
Food coloring orange-yellow "sunset" OS
Green food coloring-S
Food coloring "gold"
Food coloring "indigo carmine"
Canthaxanthin food coloring O - Deposits in the retina!
Food coloring curcumin
Riboflavy food coloring
Tartrazine food coloring OS
Food coloring alkanet (alkanine)
Quinoline yellow food coloring WITH
Food coloring carmine (from scale insects!) C
Food coloring azorubine (carmoisine) WITH
Food coloring amaranth WITH
Crimson food coloring WITH
Food coloring erythrosine O - For the thyroid gland!
Red food coloring WITH
Red food coloring "charming" (allura) WITH
Patented blue food coloring
Indigo carmine food coloring
Blue shiny food coloring
Food coloring chlorophyll
Food coloring copper chlorophyll complexes
Green food coloring S
Simple food coloring sugar colors
Food coloring sugar sulfite colors
Food coloring sugar ammonium colors ABOUT
Food coloring sugar ammonium sulfite colors ABOUT
Black shiny food coloring
Vegetable charcoal dye
Brown food coloring FK WITH
Brown food coloring HT WITH
Food carotene dye
Food coloring extracts annatto
Paprika food resin colorant
Lycopene food coloring
Food coloring beta-apocarotenaldehyde
Food coloring esters of beta-apo-8'-carotenoic acid
Flavoxanthin food coloring
Red beetroot food coloring
Anthocyanin food coloring
Food coloring calcium carbonate salts
Food coloring titanium dioxide
Iron oxide food coloring
Food coloring aluminum ABOUT
Silver food coloring ABOUT
Gold food coloring ABOUT
Food coloring litholrubin BK WITH
Tocopherol concentrate
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt With RK - If more than 5 g!
Paprika dye, capsanthin, capsorubin
Sodium carbonates
Potassium carbonates
Ammonium carbonates
Magnesium carbonates
Aluminum-sodium alum ABOUT
Aluminum-potassium alum ABOUT
Alum-ammonium alum ABOUT

Sodium pyrosulfite RJ O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Potassium pyrosulfite
Pimaricin (natamycin) O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Propionic acid ABOUT
Sodium propionate ABOUT
Calcium propionate ABOUT
Potassium propionate ABOUT
Propyl gallate ABOUT
Boric acid ABOUT
Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate ABOUT
Pyrophosphates ABOUT
Triphosphates ABOUT
Polyphosphates ABOUT
Polydimethysiloxane ABOUT
Polydextrose ABOUT
Polyvinylpyrrolidone A - No more than 90 grams per day!
Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone A - May be contained in wines!

Saccharin ABOUT
Sorbic acid
Potassium sorbate
Sodium sorbate
Sulfur dioxide OO - Can be found in white wines!
Sodium sulfite RJ O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Potassium sulfite RJ O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Calcium sulfite RJ O - Dangerous for asthmatics!
Sorbitol and sorbitol syrup
Fatty acid salts
Sugaroglycerides
Sorbitan monostearate ABOUT
Sorbitan tristearate ABOUT
Sorbitan monolaurate, SPEN 20 ABOUT
Sorbitan monooleate, SPEN 80 ABOUT
Sorbitan monopalmitate, SPEN 40 ABOUT
Sorbitan trioleate, SPEN 85 ABOUT
Hydrochloric acid
Sulfuric acid ABOUT
Sodium sulfates
Potassium sulfates
Calcium sulfates
Ammonium sulfates
Aluminum sulfate ABOUT

How are food additives separated? How do prohibited additives differ from unauthorized ones? What supplements does the Ministry of Health not recommend? This will be of interest to everyone who cares about their health and monitors their nutrition.

Classification of food additives

• E100-E182 - dyes that enhance or restore the color of the product.
• E200-E299 - preservatives, increase the shelf life of products, protecting them from microbes and fungi.
• E300-E399 - antioxidants, protect products from oxidation.
• E400-E499 - stabilizers, maintain the necessary consistency of products.
• E500-E599 - emulsifiers, create a homogeneous mixture.
• E600-E699 - taste and aroma enhancers.
• E700 - E800 - spare indexes.
• E900-E999 - defoamers, prevent or reduce the formation of foam, give products a pleasant appearance.

Glazing agents, sweeteners, raising agents, acidity regulators are included in all of these groups, in addition to the new group E1000. Prohibited additives(supplements that have been proven to cause harm to the body)

• E121 - citrus red 2 (dye)
• E123 - red amaranth (dye)
• E128 - 09/03/2007. red 2G (dye)
• E216 - para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester, paraben group (preservative)
• E217 - para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester sodium salt (preservative)
• E240 - formaldehyde (preservative)

Unauthorized additives

(supplements that have not been tested or are being tested, but there is no final result yet)

• E127 - Erythrosine - banned in some countries
• E154 - Brown FK
• E173 - Aluminum
• E180 - Ruby lithol VK
• E388 - Thiopropionic acid
• E389 - Dilauryl thiodipropionate
• E424 - Kurdlan
• E512 - Tin(II) chloride
• E537 - Iron hexacyanomanganate
• E557 - Zinc silicate
• E912 - Esters of montanic acid
• E914 - Oxidized polyethylene wax
• E916 - Calcium iodate
• E917 - Potassium iodate
• E918 - Nitrogen oxides
• E919 - Nitrosyl chloride
• E922 - Potassium persulfate
• E923 - Ammonium persulfate
• E924b - Calcium bromate
• E925 - Chlorine
• E926 - Chlorine dioxide
• E929 - Acetone peroxide

Permitted in Russia, but prohibited in the European Union

• E102 - Tartrazine
• E142 - synthetic food coloring Green S
• E425 - konjac, konjac flour, konjac gum and konjac glucomannan

List of especially harmful food additives E according to the Ministry of Health * - the substance is included in the list of food additives prohibited for use in the food industry Russian Federation; ** - the substance is included in the list of food additives that do not have permission for use in the food industry in the Russian Federation Preservatives (E-200 - E-299)

Code	Name	Notes
E-200	Sorbic acid	May cause skin reactions
E-209**	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid heptyl ester
E-210	Benzoic acid	May trigger asthma attacks
E-213**	Calcium benzoate
E-214**	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester	Banned in some countries
E-215**	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester sodium salt	Banned in some countries
E-216*	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester	Banned in Russia
E-217*	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester sodium salt	Banned in some countries
E-218**	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester	Possible skin allergic reactions
E-219**	Para-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester sodium salt	Banned in some countries
E-220	Sulfur dioxide	People with renal failure use with caution
E-221	Sodium sulfite
E-225**	Potassium sulfite
E-226**	Calcium sulfite	Banned in some countries
E-227**	Calcium hydrosulfite	Banned in some countries
E-228**	Potassium hydrosulfite (potassium bisulfite)
E-230**	Biphenyl, biphenyl	Banned in some countries
E-231**	Orthophenylphenol	Banned in some countries
E-232**	Orthophenylphenol sodium
E-233**	Thiabendazole	Banned in some countries
E-234	Nizin
E-235	Natamycin (pimaricin)	May cause allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea
E-236	Formic acid	Banned in some countries
E-237**	Sodium formate	Banned in some countries
E-238**	Calcium formate	Banned in some countries
E-239	Hexamethylenetetramine	Banned in some countries
E-240*	Formaldehyde	Banned in Russia and in a number of countries
E-241**	Guaiac resin
E-249	Potassium nitrite	Possibly carcinogenic. Prohibited for use in baby food
E-252**	Potassium nitrate	There are restrictions on its use in many countries
E-261	Potassium acetate	It should be avoided by people with kidney disease
E-262	Sodium acetates, sodium acetate, sodium hydroacetate (sodium diacetate)
E-263**	Calcium acetate
E-264**	Ammonium acetate	May cause nausea
E-281**	Sodium propionate	May cause migraines
E-282**	Calcium propionate	Same
E-283**	Potassium propionate	Same
E-284	Boric acid
E-285	Sodium tetraborate (borax)
E-296	Malic (malonic) acid	Not recommended for infants and small children
E-297	Fumaric acid

Flavor and aroma enhancers (E-600 - E-699)

Code	Name	Notes
E-620	Glutamic acid. Salt substitute	Not recommended for use in baby food
E-621	Monosodium glutamate
E-622**	Monopotassium glutamate	May cause nausea, diarrhea, colic
E-625**	Magnesium glutamate
E-627	Sodium guanylate disubstituted	Prohibited for use in baby food
E-629**	Calcium 5-guanylate
E-630	Inosinic acid
E-631	Disodium inosinate	Prohibited for use in baby food
E-635**	Sodium 5-ribonucleotides disubstituted	Banned in some countries

Dyes (E-100 - E-199)

Code	Name	Notes
E-100	Curcumins
E-102	Tartrazine	Causes asthma attacks. Banned in some countries
E-103**	Alkanet, alkanine
E-104	Quinoline yellow	Causes dermatitis. Banned in some countries
E-107**	Yellow 2G	Use with caution in asthma
E-110	Sunset yellow FCF, orange yellow S	May cause allergic reactions and nausea. Banned in some countries
E-120	Cochineal; carminic acid; carmines	Some health organizations advise avoiding it
!E-121*	Citrus red 2	Banned in Russia! Banned in some countries
E-122	Azorubine, carmoisine	Banned in some countries!
E-123*	Amaranth	Banned in Russia! Banned in a number of countries. Incl. causes developmental defects in the fetus
E-124	Ponceau 4R (crimson 4R), cochineal red A	Banned in a number of countries. Carcinogen. Triggers asthma attacks
E-125**	Ponceau, crimson SX
E-127**	Erythrosine	Banned in a number of countries. May cause an overactive thyroid gland
E-128**	Red 2G	Banned in some countries
E-129	Red charming AC	Carcinogen. Banned in some countries
E-131	Blue patent V	Banned in some countries
E-132	Indigotine, indigo carmine	May cause nausea, fever and other allergic reactions. Banned in Norway
E-133	Blue shiny FCF	Banned in some countries
E-142	Green S	Banned in some countries
E-151	Black shiny BN, black PN	Banned in some countries
E-153**	Vegetable coal	Banned in the USA
E-154**	Brown FK	Banned in the USA
E-155**	Brown NT	Banned in some countries
	Paprika extra, capsanthin, capsorubin	Banned in some countries
E-160d**	Lycopene
E-166**	Sandalwood
E-173**	Aluminum	Banned in some countries
E-174**	Silver	Banned in some countries
E-175**	Gold	Banned in some countries
E-180**	Ruby lithol VK	Banned in some countries
E-181	Food tannins
E-182**	Orseil, Orsin

Glazing agents, bread and flour improvers and other substances (E-100 - E-199)

Code	Name	Notes
E-900	Dimethylpolysiloxane
E-901	Beeswax, white and yellow	Possible allergic reactions
E-902	Candle wax	Same
E-903	Carnauba wax	Extracted from a type of palm tree growing in Africa
E-904	Shellac	Extracted from insects. Possible allergic reactions
E-905a	Vaseline oil "edible"
E-905b	Petrolatum
E-905c	Paraffin
E-906**	Benzoin resin
E-908**	Rice bran wax
E-909**	Spermaceti wax
E-910**	Wax esters
E-911**	Fatty acid methyl esters
E-912	Montanic acid esters
E-913**	Lanolin
E-914	Oxidized polyethylene wax
E-916	Calcium iodate	Used to fortify food with iodine
E-917	Potassium iodate	Same
E-918**	Nitrogen oxides
E-919**	Nitrosyl chloride
E-920	L-cysteine
E-922**	Potassium persulfate
E-923**	Ammonium persulfate
E-924a-b**	Calcium bromate, sodium	Banned in Russia
E-925**	Chlorine
E-926**	Chlorine dioxide	Carcinogen
E-927b	Urea
E-928	Benzoyl peroxide
E-929**	Acetone peroxide
E-930	Calcium peroxide
E-938#	Argon
E-939#	Helium
E-940	Dichlorodifluoromethane freon-12
E-941	Nitrogen
E-942*	Diazomonoxide
E-943a*	Butane
E-943b**	Isobutane
E-944*	Propane
E-945*	Chlopentofluoroethane
E-946**	Octafluorocyclobutane
E-948	Oxygen
E-950	Acesulfame potassium
E-951	Aspartame. Sugar substitute	A huge number of side effects
E-952	Cyclamic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts	Sugar substitute. Banned in the US and UK, considered carcinogenic
E-953	Isomaltite
E-954	Saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts	Sugar substitute. Restrictions on its use in the USA, according to some data it is a carcinogen
E-957**	Thaumatin	Natural sugar substitute
E-959**	Neohesperidin Dihydrochalcone
E-958	Glycyrrhizin
E-965	Maltitol maltitol syrup
E-966	Lactitol
E-967	Xylitol	Causes kidney stone disease in laboratory animals
E-999	Quillaya extract	Substance of natural origin, causes rich foaming in carbonated drinks, beer

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We often hear that E-additives in foods are a direct path to oncology, hypertension, allergies, and eating disorders. But are they really that dangerous?

This article is intended for persons over 18 years of age

Have you already turned 18?

Let's jump ahead: not everything is so simple. If you decompose the chemical formula of an ordinary apple from a personal plot, then it will consist of almost only E indices. But in the generally accepted hazardous substances ah - nicotine and alcohol - there is not a drop of “chemistry”. We have tried to systematize information from different sources for your convenience.

“Eshki” supplements are not a joke

You can find food additives in almost every product. Even bread is no exception. Almost 500 (!) “eshek” are known. They are used to please us, the customers, so that the product tastes better, looks good, gives off an appetizing aroma, and stays fresh longer. Isn't it a disservice?..

Supporters of everything natural (and, by the way, there are many of them) will begin to prove that carriers of the “E” marking on labels cause many terrible diseases, including cancer. For example, tests on poor hamsters and rats showed that butylated hydroxyanisole (E320) is capable of triggering the cancer process in them and causing mutations in the DNA of cells.

This dangerous additive can be found on labels and is permitted. But don't be alarmed: E320 is contained in products in small quantities and does not cause harm to human health. Unless, of course, you eat this “food” from morning to evening.

Chewing gum is not your friend

The E320 additive is hidden in chewing candies and gum. Therefore, the advice is obvious: do not overuse them. As well as all kinds of concentrates and semi-finished products. Also, when buying some confectionery and fat-containing products, keep in mind: they may also contain harmful butylhydroxyanisole. Study the composition.

Of course, science does not stand still: permitted additives are sometimes discovered to have insidious properties. Let's say dye E128 turns out to be a carcinogen! But this turned out to be true after three decades of its use... Now this additive has been rejected in almost all developed countries.

Also, do not get carried away with foods that contain E239 - hexamethylenetetramine, or methenamine. It helps preserve some meat and fish products, but is carcinogenic to the body. Although E239 is added in minimal doses, a toxin is a toxin, and no substitute has been invented for it.

Phenols and gallates, which cause allergies, are often used for surface preservation of citrus fruits. No problem! Trim the peel or wash the fruit thoroughly with soap and you will avoid problems.

But it’s completely in vain that people are afraid of the E300 supplement - this is ascorbic acid, vitamin C, familiar to everyone! Also, feel free to take products if the label says E330: in front of you lemon acid. And E162 is just beetroot extract. That is, many food additives even hide useful material.

Food additives that are included in many products are mainly of synthetic origin. Their uncontrolled use does not leave its mark on health. A table that explains the meaning of the E symbol, which is used to label flavors, thickeners and other additives used in the food industry, will help you avoid harmful effects.

There will be no problems with decoding if you arm yourself with a decoder sign indicating the dangerous ingredients in advance. The international classification system makes it easy to identify the most undesirable of them. The group of additives with a code starting with the number 1 immediately after the E index includes food colorings. The two at the beginning of the code indicates the presence of preservatives. The number 3 indicates which antioxidants are used. The list goes on.

Today, the Codex Alimentarius classification system for food additives has been adopted throughout the world. According to this code, each class of food additives receives a serial number and an “E” index:

• food dyes are hidden under codes from E100 to E182;
• E200 - E299 are preservatives;
• E300 - E399 - antioxidants that protect food from spoilage;
• E400 - E499 - food additives-stabilizers that maintain the consistency of products (for example, jelly or ice cream);
• E500 - E599 - emulsifiers whose action is similar to stabilizers;
• E900 - E999 - anti-flaming agents (food additives that reduce the formation of foam, for example, in the production of juices);
• E600 - E699 - flavor and aroma enhancers;
• E1000 - sweeteners for confectionery products and juices, substances that prevent the caking of sugar and salt.

There are products containing benzoic acid. The most dangerous additives include E219, the purpose of which is to extend shelf life. Products accompanied by such a code belong to the category of crustaceans. Harmful substances tend to accumulate in the body. Not all E are harmful, but the number of harmless ones in the total mass is small.

The consumer should be especially wary of the long shelf life of food products. It means the presence of preservatives, which even use formaldehyde.

Yes or no?

It is better for children, elderly people and allergy sufferers to protect themselves from additives that are questionable. And since it is completely difficult to do this (after all, even baked goods contain “eeshki”), it is worth checking the body’s reaction to “E”. Eat a little bit of the product first! After all, a healthy adult can absorb the supplement without affecting their well-being, but for an asthmatic, for example, it can become dangerous.

It is important

Healthy people There is no need to panic when you see the “E” index. Of no less concern is the excessive consumption of salt, sugar and the consumption of trans fats.

Marking E: dangerous or not?

For clarity and convenience, we have divided the properties of food additives with the E index into categories: harmful, safe and questionable.

The most dangerous food additives

• E 110 - very dangerous;
• E 120 - extremely dangerous;
• E 122 is a carcinogen. Banned in several countries. Negatively affects health;
• E 124 - extremely dangerous;
• E 129 - extremely dangerous;
• E 131 - extremely dangerous;
• E 150 - dangerous due to allergenic properties;
• E 172 - be careful when using;
• E 219 is one of the most dangerous carcinogens;
• E 220 - medium degree of danger. Toxic;
• E 244 - harmful to health;
• E 250 - permitted in EU countries, the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Average level danger. Toxic;
• E 251 - medium degree of danger. Use with extreme caution. Exceeding the dosage can provoke allergies and asthma attacks;
• E 320 - extremely dangerous;
• E 322 - negatively affects the liver and kidneys;
• E 330 - requires caution in use;
• E 341 - dangerous because it accumulates. Not recommended for people suffering from gout, stomach and intestinal diseases;
• E 415 - dangerous;
• E 451 - dangerous;
• E 452 is a carcinogen. Accumulates and is practically not excreted from the body;
• E 461 is dangerous. Banned in several countries. Allowed in the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
• E 470 - refers to additives of medium hazard category;
• E 476 - the additive has a negative effect on the liver;
• E 536 - damages the gastrointestinal tract;
• E 553 - dangerous: carcinogen;
• E 952 - use with caution for people with kidney disease;
• E 954 is unsafe.

Safe E-supplements

• E 100 - safe;
• E 101 - harmless;
• E 104 - harmless;
• E 132 - safe;
• E 153 - the additive is approved as safe;
• E 160 - allowed. Non-toxic, harmless. Strengthens the immune system;
• E 163 - safe;
• E 170 is safe. Approved for use;
• E 200 is an antagonist of vitamin B12 and can negatively affect the psyche. Low toxic. Approved for use;
• E 223 is safe. Allowed;
• E 224 - permitted in the Russian Federation and Ukraine;
• E 252 - allowed. Requires caution in use. May cause kidney disease;
• E 260 - harmless;
• E 261 - approved and low-toxic, has a positive effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• E 262 - allowed. Safe;
• E 296 - useful. Tones, relieves fatigue;
• E 300 - allowed. Possesses beneficial properties;
• E 301 - the supplement is useful;
• E 306 - allowed in most countries;
• E 307 - useful. Saturates cells with oxygen. Safe;
• E 319 - safe;
• E 321 - approved for use;
• E 331 - approved in Ukraine and Russia. When consumed in moderation, it is useful: eliminates heartburn, reduces acidity;
• E 332 - allowed. Useful for metabolic processes. Removes toxins;
• E 339 - approved. Risks leaching of calcium from bones;
• E 401 - not dangerous. Approved in most countries;
• E 406 is safe. Reduces appetite;
• E 410 - safe;
• E 414 - absolutely harmless;
• E 420 - allowed. Not recommended for use by persons suffering from cholelithiasis and gastrointestinal diseases;
• E 422 - harmless;
• E 426 - not dangerous;
• E 440 is extremely useful. Recommended for improving the gastrointestinal tract;
• E 460 - indicated for improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Completely harmless;
• E 464 - safe;
• E 466 is safe. Useful as an antiseptic;
• E 471 - approved for use in the EU and the Russian Federation;
• E 475 - harmless;
• E 481 - non-toxic. Allowed;
• E 491 - safe;
• E 492 - allowed;
• E 501 - allowed;
• E 503 - harmless;
• E 509 - considered safe in EU countries;
• E 575 - universally approved and safe;
• E 621 - a harmless and at the same time useless additive - taste enhancer;
• E 903 - safe;
• E 920 - harmless;
• E 951 - allowed;
• E 955 - approved for use;
• E 960 - harmless;
• E 968 is safe. Indicated in the treatment of the endocrine system;
• E 1400 - safe;
• E 1414 - approved for use;
• E 1442 - allowed;
• E 1422 - allowed.

Questionable food additives

• E 102 - not fully explored. Allowed;
• E 133 - not fully explored. Opinions about safety are mixed. It is recommended to use with caution;
• E 141 - safety has not been fully proven;
• E 214 - safety has not been fully proven. May cause allergies;
• E 270 - conditionally harmless (lactic acid);
• E 304 - not fully studied;
• E 385 - safe when strictly dosed;
• E 433 - not fully studied;
• E 450 - not permitted in all EU countries. Allowed in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Dangerous for allergy sufferers;
• E 500 - use with caution for heart and kidney diseases. If the dosage is observed, it is useful.

Read the ingredients of products carefully and stay healthy!

It's no secret that modern man eats differently from his ancestors. Over the past 100 years, completely new products have become widely available as a result of the use of latest technologies in food production. The way food ingredients are stored and transported has changed significantly, and people around the world are now able to regularly consume foods that their grandparents never knew existed.

However, along with positive changes, industrial food production has brought a number of negative aspects into our lives. In an effort to improve consumer qualities (appearance, taste, shelf life, etc.), manufacturers began to include special substances in food products, most of which are not as harmless as they seem. We present to our readers the top 10 most harmful food additives found in common food and cosmetic products.

Artificial sugar substitutes improve the taste of food and reduce its cost. Two of them are especially dangerous: aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The first has a proven carcinogenic effect; with prolonged use, it causes skin lesions and destruction of tooth enamel. In addition, aspartame contains phenylalanine, a substance that has a negative effect on the psyche. Its accumulation in the body is fraught with the development of panic attacks and depression. The use of acesulfame potassium leads to kidney pathologies, including malignant neoplasms.

In food formulations, aspartame appears under the designation E951, and acesulfame potassium - E950 (also Sunett). Both substances are widely used in the manufacture of sweet drinks, confectionery, bread and baked goods. Some drug manufacturers add E950 sweetener to the glaze that coats the tablets.

Source: depositphotos.com

Corn syrup itself is neither synthetic nor particularly harmful product, but during the production process it goes through a stage of enrichment with enzymes and additional fructose. The result is an additive that is many times more saturated with harmful components than regular sugar. Almost all sodas, drinks and children's treats (gummies, hard candies, etc.) contain corn syrup as one of their main ingredients. With frequent consumption of these products, the body receives a load that it cannot cope with. Blood sugar levels increase excessively. Long-term use of corn syrup is fraught with the development diabetes mellitus Type 2, obesity and food addiction.

Source: depositphotos.com

Flavor enhancer. On product packaging it is designated as E621 or MSG. When accumulated in the body, it can cause erosive damage to the digestive organs. However, the main danger of using monosodium glutamate is different: for people who constantly eat food containing this substance, any other food seems bland and tasteless. Thus, glutamate causes addiction to certain types of foods, which, as a rule, are far from the most beneficial for health. Children and adolescents who are not yet able to assess the consequences of their actions and are not inclined to control their eating behavior are at risk.

The E621 additive is actively included in fast food, a variety of chips, crackers and snacks, canned food, sausages, smoked meat and fish, that is, products that you can afford to eat only occasionally and not large quantities. Manufacturers encourage excessive consumption of such food, without caring about the health of consumers.

Source: depositphotos.com

Trans fats

These substances do not make food healthier or tastier, but they significantly reduce the cost of its production. They replace natural animals and vegetable fats, which undoubtedly plays into the hands of unscrupulous manufacturers. Eating trans fats contributes to negative changes in the composition of the blood and the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in it. This increases the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies, obesity, metabolic disorders (in particular, diabetes), and problems in the reproductive sphere, especially in men.

Most civilized countries have adopted laws requiring consumers to be warned that products contain trans fats, but manufacturers do not always follow them.

Source: depositphotos.com

Natural dyes are isolated from plant materials. They are harmless, but are not always resistant to heat. In addition, vegetable dyes can rarely give a product a very bright color.

The more intense the color of the food you buy, the more likely it is to contain synthetic dyes. They are added to confectionery products, sausages, cheeses, fish delicacies, drinks and many other finished products, and are also used in the production of perfumes and cosmetics.

All food dyes can cause allergic reactions and digestive disorders. Some of these substances affect the central nervous system, which is very dangerous for children - big fans of bright candies, marmalades and other attractive sweets. In children, artificial dyes cause increased excitability, impaired ability to concentrate and, as a result, problems with intellectual development.

Source: depositphotos.com

Preservative and emulsifier (E514), widely used by manufacturers of shampoos, rinses and hair conditioners. It provokes allergic reactions (especially skin rashes), severe headaches and difficulty breathing.

Source: depositphotos.com

Preservative (E250), which is added to food products (sausages, meat and fish gastronomy) to fix color and protect against oxidation. Toxic. Poisoning dangerous to human life is caused by a dose of 2 to 6 g.

Once in the body, sodium nitrite enters chemical reactions, whose products are strong carcinogens. The additive itself can provoke the development of intestinal and liver pathologies, as well as the appearance of allergic reactions.

Today in supermarkets you can find a huge variety of products, which are quite easy to get confused about. Bright packaging, seductive pictures, shiny labels, plus all this is complemented by promotional price tags, and we make a purchase. Stop, first you need to carefully study the packaging, namely the composition of this product. The fewer different incomprehensible words it contains, the better. For example, GOST condensed milk contains only natural milk and sugar, but the same product, but produced according to specifications, has a completely different composition. It contains stabilizers and emulsifiers, as well as various substances labeled E. Today we will talk about them: everyone should have a table of harmful food additives at hand to prevent their consumption.

What are various nutritional supplements used for?

First of all, you should be wary of the “E” markings - they indicate food additives that are used all over the world as preservatives and stabilizers, flavor enhancers, thickeners and leavening agents. All this is needed to improve the appearance and nutritional properties of the product, as well as increase its shelf life.

Why do we need a table of harmful food additives, and are all substances labeled “E” harmful? No, there are neutral, harmful and even dangerous, and therefore it is important for each of us to know them and be able to distinguish them. After all, the quality and duration of our lives greatly depend on what we eat. The more vitamins and minerals in the diet and the less “chemicals”, the better.

Natural or artificial

Despite the assurances of manufacturers, almost all additives are artificial and therefore potentially dangerous. These are chemicals of synthetic origin. Considering that even the safest of them sometimes cause a reaction in particularly sensitive people, it is clear that the table of harmful food additives should be known to everyone. However, there is one more subtlety here: not all manufacturers warn you that their product contains additives with the “E” index. They often make do with general phrases like “does not contain artificial colors or flavors.” Others note the presence of stabilizers and thickeners, but do not indicate which additives were used. In this case, there is only one way out: refuse the purchase and choose a more honest manufacturer. This is especially important if the product is imported, because no one can guarantee that it does not contain prohibited products. Perhaps this will allow you to look differently at the products in supermarkets, because, despite their attractive appearance, almost all of them contain preservatives.

What does the number code next to the letter "E" mean?

Below we will look at what the table of harmful food additives includes, but for now let’s look at what these mysterious numbers mean. If the code starts with one, then you have a dye. All preservatives begin with 2, the number 3 denotes antioxidants - they are used to slow down or prevent spoilage of the product. All 4 are stabilizers, substances that help maintain the consistency of the product in the required form. The number 5 denotes emulsifiers; they work in tandem with stabilizers and preserve the structure of the product. The flavor and aroma enhancers that create the notes and shades we love so much begin with 6. Some products contain special substances that prevent foaming; they are marked with the number 9. If you see a four-digit index, this indicates the presence of sweeteners in the composition. The realities of life show that you need to know harmful food additives ("E"). The table will help you timely identify foods that should not be consumed.

Such different food additives "E"

This labeling may hide completely harmless and even useful substances, for example, plant extracts. This is known to everyone acetic acid(E260). Relatively safe E supplements include baking soda (E500), calcium carbonate or regular chalk (E170), and many others.

However, there are much more harmful substances than beneficial ones. You are mistaken if you think that these include only artificial additives, natural ones also sin negative impact on the body. Moreover, the more often they are used, the stronger and more pronounced their effect will be.

Healthy Supplements

You should not immediately return a product to the shelf just because it contains E. You need to look and analyze what substance is hidden behind it. The table of harmful and beneficial food additives will help you make right choice. For example, the most common apple contains pectin, ascorbic acid and riboflavin, that is, E300, E440, E101, but it cannot be called harmful.

The most common beneficial supplements are curcumins, or E100 - these substances help control weight and are actively used in the production of fitness products. E101 is a regular vitamin B2, which is famous for synthesizing hemoglobin and participating in metabolism. E160d is lycopene and helps strengthen the immune system. E270 is a powerful antioxidant that is widely used in pharmacology. To enrich products with iodine, the additive E916, that is, calcium iodate, is used. We can’t forget about lecithin E322 - this supplement supports the immune system and improves hematopoiesis.

Relatively harmless additives

Today the topic of our conversation is “Table of food additives “E”. Useful and harmful, they are ubiquitous in the most common food products. In this group we need to mention the dyes that are used by the most famous confectionery companies to give an attractive appearance to creams and cakes. This is chlorophyrol , or E140, green dye. Also known is betanin, that is, a red dye. It is extracted from the most common beets, the juice of which is an excellent tint for creams at home.

This group includes calcium carbonate (E170) and regular baking soda. Although these substances do not pose a threat to life, in large quantities they can disrupt acid-base balance in organism. E290 is ordinary carbon dioxide; all carbonated drinks are made with it. Every kitchen should have a table of food additives E. Useful and harmful, they are presented in such large quantities today that it is very difficult to remember what a particular substance means.

Additives to Avoid

Today the table contains 11 groups of additives, among which are dangerous, prohibited substances that are harmful to the skin and disrupt blood pressure. Since everyone needs to avoid foods that contain dangerous E's, we'll look at each group separately. You shouldn’t be negligent about your health and rely on the manufacturer. Many of them are guided only by short-term gain and do not think about reputation. Moreover, it is much easier to periodically close production and open it under a different name, releasing products with new labels. This is why you should know the harmful "E" food additives. The table will help you navigate and not forget what this or that code means. So let's get started.

Dangerous additives

This group includes many dyes, so if you see confectionery products painted in bright colors, think about whether you should take them to your children. Be sure to study harmful food additives "E": the table is updated periodically, so you need to update the printout, which is best kept next to the kitchen table.

This includes E102, namely tartrazine. It causes asthma attacks and is banned in several countries. E110 is a yellow dye that is banned in many countries because it causes an allergic reaction and nausea. E120 - carminic acid (research has not yet proven harmful, but doctors strongly recommend avoiding it). Red dyes E124, E127 and E129 are banned in a number of countries because they are carcinogenic. This also includes E155 (brown dye) and E180 (ruby rytol).

E220 - sulfur dioxide - should be used with caution in people with kidney failure. Feel free to put aside products containing E220, E222, E223, E224, E228, E233, E242. E400, E401, E402 are recognized as dangerous.

Very dangerous

If the previous group of additives is dangerous or potentially dangerous, then representatives of this category should be treated more than carefully. The fact is that the supplement table only gives you code designations, which hide substances that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. To completely avoid contact with them, you will have to give up most confectionery products and seriously reconsider your view of the diet. The simpler the better, so bran biscuits, cereals and fruit are the safest choices.

However, let's return to our conversation. The table of the most dangerous additives "E" includes dyes such as E123 (amaranth). It is banned all over the world as it causes developmental pathologies in the fetus. In addition, this group includes E510, E513E, E527.

Prohibited substances: table of the most harmful food additives "E"

It should be noted that in Russia there are very soft rules for manufacturing companies. Only 5 additives are officially banned, although the number is much higher worldwide. This is E952 - cyclamic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts. This is a sugar substitute that was discontinued because it was found to be a strong carcinogen. E-216 - para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester - is also prohibited in Russia. But this is not all harmful food additives ("E"). The table includes a number of dyes in this group - these are E152, E130, E125, E126, E121, E111.

Substances that cause skin rashes

Everyone can imagine the effect of carcinogens on the body, so you need to do everything necessary to exclude from the menu products that contain the most harmful food additives. Having a table at hand will help you stop in time and not make an unnecessary purchase. Women should especially think about it, because many conditionally safe supplements cause deterioration of the skin. This is E151 (black, shiny BN) - in a number of countries it is completely prohibited. Second on the list is E231 (orthophenylphenol) and E232 (calcium orthophenylphenol). Aspartame, or E951, a favorite sugar substitute for many, also has a number of side effects and is not recommended for use without special reasons.

Let's sum it up

You may find this table useful every day. A food additive whose harmful effects have not been fully studied should be excluded from the diet. This group includes quite a lot of different “E” - these are E124, E122, E141, E150, E171, E173, E247, E471. To optimize your diet and consume as few synthetic additives as possible, study product packaging before purchasing. The fewer different components and unclear terms there are, the better. Do not purchase unfamiliar products, as well as those whose packaging does not contain ingredients, and give preference to well-known manufacturers.

Avoid products with bright, unnatural colors. They may contain too many dyes and preservatives. Give preference to natural products, grains, fermented milk, as well as vegetables and fruits. This diet is guaranteed to be free of harmful and dangerous substances. To maintain your health for as long as possible, try to avoid products that use harmful food additives ("E") in their production. A table containing the main ones will become your reliable assistant.

Food additives - beneficial and harmful, classification and effect on the human body

Today on store shelves it is almost impossible to find products that do not contain food additives; they are often even added to bread. The only exception is natural food - meat, cereals, milk, herbs, etc., but even in this case you cannot be completely sure that they do not contain any chemicals. For example, fruits are often treated with preservatives, which allows them to preserve their presentation for as long as possible.

Food additives are synthetic chemical or natural substances that are never consumed on their own, but are only introduced into products to give them certain qualities, for example, taste, consistency, color, smell, shelf life, appearance. There has been a lot of talk lately about the advisability of their use and their effect on the body. Today we also decided to touch on this topic.

The phrase “food additives” scares many people. However, people began to use them many thousands of years ago. Of course, this does not apply to complex chemical substances, this is about table salt, lactic and acetic acid, herbs, spices, etc. Yes, they are also considered food additives. For example, carmine, a dye derived from insects, has been widely used since biblical times to give foods a special purple color. Now this substance is called E120.

Until about the twentieth century, in the production of products tried to use only natural additives, gradually such a science as food chemistry began to develop and most natural additives were replaced by artificial additives. The production of all kinds of quality and taste improvers was put on stream. Since most of these food additives had rather long and incomprehensible names, which were very difficult to fit on one label, for convenience European Union A special labeling system was developed. According to it, the name of each dietary supplement must begin with “E”, this letter means nothing more than “Europe”. It should be followed by numbers; they show whether a given species belongs to a particular group and indicate a specific additive. Subsequently, this system was somewhat modified, and then adopted for international classification.

Classification of food additives by codes

Acidity regulators, sweeteners, leavening agents and glazing agents are included in all of these groups.

The number of nutritional supplements is growing every day. New, more effective and safe substances are replacing old ones. For example, complex supplements, which consist of a mixture of different additives, have recently become popular. In this regard, every year the lists of permitted additives are replenished with new ones; as a rule, such substances after the letter E have a code greater than 1000.

Classification of food additives by use

• Dyes(E1...) – these substances are intended to restore the color of products that is lost during processing, to increase its intensity, to give a certain color to food, etc. Natural dyes are usually obtained from the roots, berries, leaves and flowers of plants, but they can also be of animal origin. Natural dyes contain biologically active, aromatic and flavoring substances, giving food a pleasant appearance. These include: carotenoids (yellow, orange, red), lycopene (red), annatto extract (yellow), flavonoids (blue, purple, red, yellow), chlorophyll and its derivatives (green), sugar color (brown), carmine (magenta), etc. There are also dyes obtained synthetically. Their main advantage over natural ones is that they are more saturated, bright colors, greater stability, long shelf life.
• Preservatives(E2...) - these substances are intended to extend the shelf life of products. The most commonly used preservatives are acetic, benzoic, sorbic and sulfurous acid, salt, and ethyl alcohol. Antibiotics - nisin, biomycin, nystatin - can also act as preservatives. Synthetic preservatives are prohibited from being added to mass-produced foods - baby food, fresh meat, bread, flour, milk, etc.
• Antioxidants(E3...) - such substances prevent spoilage of fats and fat-containing foods, slow down the oxidation of wine, soft drinks and beer, and also protect fruits and vegetables from darkening.
• Thickeners(E4...) - they are added to preserve and improve the structure of products. These substances help give food the necessary consistency. Emulsifiers are also responsible for plastic properties and viscosity, for example, thanks to them bakery products They don’t go stale any longer. All permitted thickeners are of natural origin. For example, E 406 (agar) - extracted from seaweed, it is often used in the manufacture of pates, creams, and ice cream. E 440 (pectin) – from apples, citrus zest, beet pulp, it is added to ice cream, jelly, etc. Gelatin is of animal origin, its main sources being the bones, tendons and cartilage of farm animals. Starches are obtained from peas, sorghum, corn, and potatoes. Emulsifier, and also antioxidant E 476, E 322 (lecithin) is extracted from vegetable oils. Egg white is also a natural emulsifier. However, recently, synthetic emulsifiers have been used more in industrial production.
• Flavor enhancers(E6... etc.) - their main purpose is to make the product even tastier and more aromatic. To improve smell and taste, four types of additives are used: aroma enhancers, flavor enhancers, acidity regulators and flavoring agents. Fresh products (vegetables, fish, meat) have a pronounced aroma and taste, since they contain a large number of nucleotides. These substances enhance taste perception by stimulating the endings of taste buds. During processing or storage, the amount of nucleotides decreases, so they are obtained artificially. For example, ethyl maltol and maltol enhance the perception of creamy, fruity and some other aromas. These substances give a fatty feel to low-calorie mayonnaise, ice cream and yogurt. Very often they add to various products the well-known monosodium glutamate, which has a very scandalous reputation. Many sweeteners also cause a lot of controversy, especially aspartame, known for being almost two hundred times sweeter than sugar. It is hidden under the E951 marking.
• Flavors– they are divided into natural, artificial and still identical to natural. The first contain only natural aromatic substances extracted from plant materials. These can be distillers of volatile substances, water-alcohol extracts, dry mixtures, essences. Flavors identical to natural ones are obtained by isolating them from natural raw materials or by chemical synthesis. They contain chemical compounds found in raw materials of animal or plant origin. Artificial flavors include at least one artificial component and may additionally contain identical natural flavors and natural flavors.

In the production of some products (usually fermented milk), biologically active additives are also often used. They should not be confused with nutritional supplements. The former, unlike the latter, can be consumed separately, as an addition to food. They can be natural or substances identical to them. In Russia, dietary supplements are classified as a separate category of food products. Their main purpose, unlike conventional food additives, is to improve the health of the body and provide it with useful substances.

Healthy food supplements

Behind the E marking lies not only harmful and rather dangerous chemistry, but also completely harmless and even useful substances. Don't be afraid of all food additives. Many substances that act as additives are common extracts of natural products and plants. For example, in an ordinary apple there are many substances that are designated by the letter E. For example, ascorbic acid (E300), pectin (E440), riboflavin (E101), acetic acid (E260), etc.

Despite the fact that the apple contains such a huge amount of substances that are included in the list of food additives, it cannot be called a dangerous product. The same goes for many other products.

Let's look at some of the most popular, but also useful supplements.

E100 – stands for curcumin. These substances help control weight.

E101 – stands for riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2. This substance takes an active part in hemoglobin synthesis and metabolism.

E160d – stands for lycopene. It strengthens the immune system.

E270 – stands for lactic acid. This substance has antioxidant properties.

E300 – stands for ascorbic acid, which is also vitamin C. Helps boost immunity, improves skin condition and brings many other benefits.

E322 – stands for lecithin. It supports immunity, improves the quality of bile and hematopoietic processes.

E440 – stands for pectin. These substances help cleanse the intestines.

E916 – stands for calcium iodate. It is used to fortify food products with iodine.

Neutral food additives - relatively harmless

E140 - stands for chlorophyll, thanks to this substance plants acquire a green color.

E162 - stands for betanin, it is a red dye. It is extracted from beets.

E170 - means calcium carbonate, or, more simply, ordinary chalk.

E202 – stands for potassium sorbitol, this substance is a natural preservative.

E290 – stands for carbon dioxide, it helps turn a regular drink into a carbonated one.

E500 – baking soda. True, this substance can be considered relatively harmless, since in large quantities it can negatively affect the intestines and stomach.

E913 – lanolin. As a rule, it is used as a glazing agent, and is especially in demand in the confectionery industry.

It’s a pity, but there are many more harmful additives than useful ones. Moreover, these include not only synthetic substances, but also natural ones. The harm of food additives can be very great, especially if they are used with food regularly and in large quantities.

Currently, the following additives are also prohibited in Russia:

• bread and flour improvers – E924a, E924d;
• preservatives – E217, E216, E240;
• dyes E121, E173, E128, E123, Red 2G, E240.

Table of harmful food additives

Thanks to the research of modern specialists, changes are regularly made to the lists of permitted and prohibited additives. It is advisable to constantly monitor such information, since some unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of goods, violate recommended production technologies.

It would be a good idea to pay attention to additives of synthetic origin. Of course, they are not formally prohibited, but many experts consider them unsafe for human health.

For example, monosodium glutamate, which is hidden under the designation E621, a very popular flavor enhancer, cannot be called harmful. On the contrary, our brain and heart need it; when the body lacks it, it can produce this substance on its own. However, when in excess, glutamate can have a toxic effect, and the liver and pancreas get the most damage from it. In addition, it can cause addiction, allergic reactions, brain and vision damage. This substance is especially dangerous for children. But the packaging usually does not indicate exactly how much monosodium glutamate is contained in the product. Therefore, it is better not to abuse food containing it.

The safety of E250 also raises doubts. This substance can be called a universal additive, since it is used as a dye, antioxidant, preservative and color stabilizer. Despite the fact that sodium nitrate has been proven to be harmful, most countries continue to use it. It is usually included in sausage and meat products, it can also be present in herring, sprats, smoked fish, and cheeses. Sodium nitrate is especially harmful for those who suffer from cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis, and have problems with the liver and intestines. Once in the body of such people, this substance is converted into quite strong carcinogens.

It is almost impossible to find safe synthetic dyes. They can have mutagenic, allergenic and carcinogenic effects.

Antibiotics, often used as preservatives, cause dysbiosis and can cause many intestinal diseases. Thickeners tend to absorb substances, both harmful and beneficial, which can interfere with the absorption of minerals and other components needed by the body.

Consumption of phosphates can impair the absorption of calcium, which threatens the development of osteoporosis. Saccharin can cause tumors Bladder, and aspartame in terms of harmfulness can easily compete with glutamate. When heated, it turns into a powerful carcinogen, affects the content of chemicals in the brain, is dangerous for diabetics and has a number of other harmful effects on the body.

Health and nutritional supplements

Over the considerable history of its existence, nutritional supplements have proven their usefulness. They have played a significant role in improving the taste, shelf life and quality of products, as well as improving other characteristics. Of course, there are many additives that can have negative effects on the body, but completely ignoring the benefits of such substances would also not be entirely correct.

For example, sodium nitrate, which is very popular in the meat and sausage industry, known as E250, despite the fact that it is not so safe, prevents the development of such a dangerous disease as botulism.

Unfortunately, it is also impossible to completely deny the negative impact of food additives. Sometimes people, trying to extract maximum benefit, create not only unhealthy, but absolutely inedible, from the point of view of common sense, products. As a result, humanity gets many diseases.

• Study product labels and try to choose those that contain the minimum number of different E.
• Do not purchase unfamiliar products, especially if their composition is rich in all kinds of additives.
• Avoid products containing sugar substitutes, flavor enhancers, thickeners, preservatives and dyes.
• Give preference to natural, fresh products.

Nutritional supplements and human health are concepts that are beginning to be linked more and more often today. A lot of research is being carried out in this direction, as a result of which many more and more new facts are being revealed. Many modern scientists believe that an increase in artificial additives in the diet and a decrease in the consumption of fresh foods is one of the main reasons for the increase in the incidence of cancer, asthma, obesity, diabetes and depression.

Additives "E", harmful and safe

Progress, unfortunately, does not always bring only positive things into people’s lives. Sometimes, especially when innovations are introduced into the sphere of human nutrition, a negative effect is observed. For example, the invention of various food additives that enhance taste qualities, act as thickeners and colorants, flavorings and preservatives, became another test for human body. The consequences of their use do not begin to affect immediately, and therefore a person is not always able to adequately respond to the causes of diseases.

Food additives include artificial and natural substances that are used to improve the properties of the product, its longer storage and transportation. The name of each additive contains the letter “E” and a number. The presence of additives must be noted on the product label - this is a prerequisite.

There are food additives that are poisonous and safe for humans. Banned all over the world: E121, E123, E216, E217, E240, E924a, E924b. These are harmful food additives “E”. The remaining additives are considered safe, but some of them cause allergic reactions and negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract.

Tests on the effects of food products that contain “E” additives are carried out in special laboratories. Only after the effect of such additives on the human body has been clarified is it permitted to sell products containing them.

The table reflects the harm that some “E” additives cause as follows:

E 102 causes allergies;

E128 contributes to the development of oncology and congenital malformations;

E 216 and 217 cause severe poisoning;

E 250 promotes the development of hypoxia and oncology, causes vitamin deficiencies and poisoning;

E 320 causes an increase in cholesterol;

E 400-499 can cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

E510, E513 and E527 disrupt the functioning of the intestinal tract, cause loose stools and liver disease;

E951 is the cause mental disorders and a decrease in serotonin in the cerebral cortex.

When purchasing products, pay attention to what is written on the label.

Remember that there are fewer additives where the shelf life is shorter!

The most dangerous products that contain "E" additives are:

Chewing gum, because they contain sweeteners that can cause the formation of caries;

- "liquid smoke";
- colored and carbonated drinks;
- “Galina Blanca” cubes and similar seasonings containing monosodium glutamate, which, if consumed frequently, causes allergies, hearing loss, and glaucoma;
- some chocolates from such manufacturers as: “Nestle”, “Alpen Gold”, “Nesquik”, “Sladko”, “Moya Semya”, “Air”.
- some dairy products with a long shelf life;
- some sausages.

Dear customers, be sure to study what is written on the package! You must remember that you have the right to return the product back to the store if you see dangerous food additives on the label at home. Without looking at the label, you may buy a product that contains many harmful additives. Some substances in them can accumulate and have a carcinogenic effect, causing various mutations in the body.

Therefore, the use of such substances will someday make itself felt. Eat natural foods from your own summer cottage or buy them from other gardeners. Such food does not contain harmful substances that can negatively affect your body. Vegetables and fruits from the garden do not contain “E” additives, but have beneficial properties. It’s better to get dairy products from a neighbor who keeps a cow - you won’t buy this kind of milk in any store.

Be careful about the products you eat, then you won’t have to worry about your healthy future! Live happily and without “E” additives!

Preservatives, food additives, E***

This information will help you in choosing the food products you purchase and will help maintain the health of your entire family - even if many of the permitted chemicals are acceptable, they are not always healthy and necessary in the diet.

Remember - not everything that is sold should be eaten.

Food additives (several hundred of them are known) are a simple and cheap way to give a product an attractive appearance and color, enhance the taste, and also extend its shelf life.

Previously, the names of these chemicals were written in full on product labels, but they took up so much space that in 1953, in Europe, it was decided to replace full names chemical food additives in one letter with numerical codes. Within the European Community, the E index (from Europe) usually denotes the presence in a food product of any food additives identified according to International system classification (INS). According to this system, food additives are divided into groups according to the principle of action. The group is determined by the first digit indicated after the letter E.E100 - E182 Dyes. Enhances the color of the product.
E200 - E299 Preservatives (extend the shelf life of the product). Chemical sterilizing additives. Protects against microbes, fungi, bacteriophages.
E300 - E399 Antioxidants (slow down oxidation, for example, from rancidity of fats and color changes; similar in effect to preservatives
E400 - E499 Stabilizers (preserve the specified consistency of the product). Thickeners - increase viscosity.
E500 - E599 Emulsifiers (maintain a homogeneous mixture of immiscible products, such as water and oil). The action is similar to stabilizers)
E600 - E699 Flavor and smell enhancers
E700 - E899 reserved numbers
E900 - E999 Defoamers (prevent or reduce the formation of foam). Antiflamings and other substances

Safe E

Only a small number of food additives can be truly (and not officially) considered harmless, but doctors do not recommend using even them for children under 5 years of age.

E100 - curcumin (colorant), can be used in curry powder, sauces, ready-made rice dishes, jams, candied fruits, fish pates

E363 - succinic acid (acidulant), found in desserts, soups, broths, dry drinks

E504 - magnesium carbonate (baking powder), can be used in cheese, chewing gum, table salt

E957 - thaumatin (sweetener) can be used in ice cream, dried fruits, sugar-free chewing gum

The most harmful E - additives

The most harmful are preservatives and antioxidants.

Preservatives. In an environment in which such a drug is present, life becomes impossible and bacteria die, which keeps the product from spoiling longer. A person consists of a huge number of different cells and has a large mass (compared to a unicellular organism), therefore, unlike unicellular organisms, he does not die from consuming a preservative (in some cases, also because the hydrochloric acid contained in the stomach is partially destroys the preservative). Thus, preservative E240 (formaldehyde) may be present in canned food (mushrooms, compotes, preserves, juices, etc.)

Preservatives and stabilizers act similar to antibiotics.

There are many harmful additives among dyes. In particular, E121 (citrus red dye) and E123 (amaranth dye) are prohibited. They are usually found in sweet carbonated water, sweets, and colored ice cream.

It has already been scientifically proven that all three additives can contribute to the formation of malignant tumors.

Emulsifiers are often represented by mineral substances, for example: E500 - soda (sodium bicarbonate); E507 - hydrochloric acid; E513 - sulfuric acid.

In addition to those mentioned above, there are chemical compounds that are considered non-hazardous and are approved for use throughout the world. However, judge for yourself how appropriate it is to talk about their harmlessness. Here are some of the most common:

* E250 - sodium nitrite
* E251 - sodium nitrate
* E252 - potassium nitrate

It is impossible to imagine sausage products without these additives. During processing, minced sausage loses its soft pink color, turning into a gray-brown mass. Then nitrates and nitrites come into play, and from the display case already boiled sausage the color of steamed veal “looks” at us.

Nitrogen additives are found not only in sausages, but also in smoked fish, sprats, and canned herring. They are also added to hard cheeses to prevent swelling.

People suffering from liver and intestinal diseases, dysbacteriosis, and cholecystitis are advised to exclude foods containing these additives from their diet. In such people, part of the nitrates, entering the gastrointestinal tract, turns into more toxic nitrites, which in turn form quite strong carcinogens - nitrosamines.

E - sweeteners

Recently, various sugar substitutes have become increasingly popular; these additives are designated by codes

E954 - saccharin
E952 - cyclamic acid and cyclamates
E950 - acesulfan potassium
E951 - aspartame
E968 - xylitol

These substances, to varying degrees, adversely affect the liver.

Avoid products containing such additives for six months after hepatitis. You also need to be careful with xylitol. It can cause dysbiosis.

List of food additives harmful to health EE 102 is dangerous
E 103 prohibited
E 104 is suspicious (?)
E 105 prohibited
E 110 dangerous
E 111 prohibited
E 120 is dangerous
E 121 prohibited
E 122 is suspicious (?)
E 123 is very dangerous, prohibited
E 124 is dangerous
E 125 prohibited
E 126 prohibited
E 127 prohibited
E 129 is dangerous
E 130 prohibited
E 131 crustacean
E 141 is suspicious (?)
E 142 may cause cancer
E 150 is suspicious (?)
E 151 is harmful to the skin
E 152 prohibited
E 153 may cause cancer
E 154 causes intestinal disorders, affects blood pressure
E 155 is dangerous
E 160 is harmful to the skin
E 171 is suspicious (?)
E 173 is suspicious (?)
E 180 is dangerous
E 201 is dangerous
E 210 can cause cancer, can cause kidney stones
E 211 is prohibited. May cause cancer. The permissible maximum dosage in soft drinks is 150 mg/l!
E 212 may cause cancer
E 213 may cause cancer
E 214 may cause cancer
E 215 may cause cancer
E 216 is prohibited. Propyl ether (alcohol). May cause cancer
E 217 is prohibited. Propyl ether. Crustacean
E 219 may cause cancer
E 220 is dangerous
E 221 raster. intestines
E 222 is dangerous
E 223 dangerous
E 224 is dangerous
E 226 raster intestines
E 228 is dangerous
E 230 may cause cancer
E 231 is harmful to the skin
E 232 is harmful to the skin
E 233 is dangerous
E 239 is harmful to the skin
E 240 is prohibited. May cause cancer
E 241 is suspicious (?)
E 242 is dangerous
E 249 may cause cancer
E 250 disrupts blood pressure
E 251 violates blood pressure
E 252 may cause cancer
E 270 is dangerous
E 280 may cause cancer
E 281 may cause cancer
E 282 may cause cancer
E 283 may cause cancer
E 310 is harmful to the skin, causes rashes
E 311 is harmful to the skin, causes rash
E 312 is harmful to the skin, causes rash
E 320 cholesterol
E 321 cholesterol
E 330 may cause cancer
E 338 causes stomach upsets
E 339 causes stomach upsets
E 340 causes stomach upsets
E 341 causes stomach upsets
E 343 causes intestinal disorders
E 400 is dangerous
E 401 is dangerous
E 402 is dangerous
E 403 is dangerous
E 404 is dangerous
E 407 dist. stomach
E 405 is dangerous
E 450 causes stomach upsets
E 451 causes stomach upsets
E 452 causes stomach upsets
E 453 causes stomach upsets
E 454 causes stomach upsets
E 461 causes stomach upsets
E 462 causes stomach upsets
E 463 causes stomach upsets
E 465 causes stomach upsets
E 466 causes stomach upsets
E 477 is suspicious (?)
E 501 is dangerous
E 502 is dangerous
E 503 is dangerous
E 510 is very dangerous
E 513 is very dangerous
E 527 is very dangerous
E 620 is dangerous
E 626 causes intestinal disorders
E 627 causes intestinal disorders
E 628 causes intestinal disorders
E 629 causes intestinal disorders
E 630 causes intestinal disorders
E 631 causes intestinal disorders
E 632 causes intestinal disorders
E 633 causes intestinal disorders
E 634 causes intestinal disorders
E 635 causes intestinal disorders
E 636 is dangerous
E 637 is dangerous
E 907 is harmful to the skin, causes rash
E 924a is prohibited
E 924b is prohibited
E 951 is harmful to the skin
E 952 prohibited
E 954 may cause cancer
E 1105 is harmful to the skin

Particularly harmful and prohibited food additives E according to INFO of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation:

E 102; E 104; E 110; E 120; E 121; E 122; E 123; E 124; E 127; E 128; E 129; E 131; E 132; E 133; E 142; E 151; E 153; E 154; E 155; E 173; E 174; E 175; E 180;

E 214; E 215; E 216; E 217; E 219; E 226; E 227; E 230; E 231; E 233; E 236; E 237; E 238; E 239; E 240; E 249 ... E 252; E 296; E 320; E 321; E 620; E 621; E 627; E 631; E 635;

E 924 a-b; E 926; E 951; E 952; E 954; E 957.

Rospotrebnadzor specialists consider the following additives dangerous: E102, E110, E120, E124, E127, E129, E155, E180, E201, E220, E222, E223, E224, E228, E233, E242, E270, E400, E401, E402, E403, E4 04 , E405, E501, E502, E503, E620, E636 and E637. E123, E510, E513 and E527 are included in the list of very dangerous ones, but for unknown reasons they are still not prohibited. Additives E104, E122, E141, E150, E171, E173, E241 and E477 were identified as suspicious.

Sodium benzoate (E 211)

Sodium benzoic acid performs quite important function preservative - prevents the fermentation of juices, prevents bacteria from multiplying. It is added to soda and chips, meat and ketchup. Long-term consumption of E 211 in food can lead to metabolic disorders and cause cancer.

Aspartame (E 951)

This sweetener and flavor enhancer replaces sugar in diabetic foods. Aspartame is added to chewing gum, drinks, canned food, seasonings, etc. But for several years now in America, where it is used very widely, there has been a campaign to ban E 951. Products with the addition of aspartame can cause migraines, skin rashes and deterioration of brain activity.

Monosodium glutamate (E 621)

A chemical called monosodium glutamate gives the dish the taste and smell of meat (it is added to bouillon cubes to enhance the taste). If you exceed the norm (pour several packets into a cup of noodles), you can get poisoned. In America, hundreds of thousands of such poisonings occur every year.

FAO list of E supplements

Classification of food additives in the Codex Alimentarius system, developed by International organization on food products and agriculture(FAO) at the UN. All this data is brought to the attention of product manufacturers, but since FAO is a public organization, its information is advisory in nature only.

* E103, E105, E121, E123, E125, E126, E130, E131, E142, E153 - dyes. Contained in sweet carbonated water, candies, and colored ice cream. Can lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

* E171-173 - dyes. Contained in sweet carbonated water, candies, and colored ice cream. May lead to liver and kidney diseases.

* E210, E211, E213-217, E240 - preservatives. Available in canned food of any kind (mushrooms, compotes, juices, jams). Can lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

* E221-226 - preservatives. Used for any canning. May lead to gastrointestinal diseases.

* E230-232, E239 - preservatives. Contained in canned food of any kind. May cause allergic reactions.

* E311-313 - antioxidants (antioxidants) Found in yoghurts, fermented milk products, sausages, butter, chocolate. May cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

* E407, E447, E450 - stabilizers and thickeners. Contained in preserves, jams, condensed milk, chocolate cheese. May cause liver and kidney diseases.

* E461-466 - stabilizers and thickeners. Found in preserves, jams, condensed milk, chocolate cheese. May cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

* E924a, E924b - defoamers. Contained in carbonated drinks. Can lead to the formation of malignant tumors.

Lists from other sources on harm E

Prohibited additives

E103 E105 E111 E121 E123 E125 E126 E130 E152 E952

Dangerous additives

E102 E110 E120 E124 E127 E129 E155 E180 E201 E220 E222 E223 E224 E228 E233 E242 E270 E400 E401 E402 E403 E404 E405 E501 E502 E503 E620 E636 E637

Additives harmful to the skin

E151 E160 E231 E232 E239 E951 E1105

Cancer-forming additives

E131 E142 E153 E210 E211 E212 E213 E214 E215 E216 E219 E230 E240 E249 E252 E280 E281 E282 E283 E330 E954

Very dangerous additives

E123 E510 E513 E527

Additives that cause stomach upset

E338 E339 E340 E341 E450 E451 E452 E453 E454 E461 E462 E463 E465 E466

Supplements that affect blood pressure

E154 E250 E251

Additives that cause rashes

E310 E311 E312 E907

Additives Causing Intestinal Disorders

E154 E343 E626 E627 E628 E629 E630 E631 E632 E633 E634 E635

Information from another source

• Dangerous additives: Causing malignant tumors: E103, E105, E121, E123, E125, E126, E130, E131, E142, E152, E210, E211, E213-217, E240, E330, E447.
• Causing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: E221-226, E320-322, E338-341, E407, E450, E461-466.
• Allergens: E230, E231, E232, E239, E311-131.
• Causing liver and kidney diseases: E171-173, E320-322.

Since March 1, 2005, the use of preservative additives E216 and E217 has been prohibited at domestic food processing plants.

conclusions

Some additives are harmful only in large quantities, but carcinogens tend to accumulate in the body. So, over time this will make itself felt. Any modification of products makes them potentially hazardous to health. The use of synthetic flavor and color enhancers is a deception of your own body.

Eat organic foods – fresh raw vegetables, fruits and berries.

Do not buy products with a long shelf life indicated on the label - a sign that they contain a lot of preservatives.