Alarming Trends: The Surge in Additives in American Foods, Says New Study

,

 / 

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals concerning trends of additives in American food consumption.

Lead investigator Dr. Elizabeth Dunford and her team found that nearly 60% of food products purchased by Americans contain additives, which is a 10% increase from levels reported in 2001.

Why Are There Additives in American Food?

These additives are commonly used to enhance color, flavor, sweetness, and preservation in processed foods. While they serve the purpose of extending shelf life and improving food texture, there is growing evidence linking the high consumption of processed foods with adverse health outcomes.

For instance, recent research suggests that nanoparticles in popular food coloring may cause digestive issues and impairment, raising concerns about the potential health impacts of these additives.

Furthermore, British food additive expert Erik Millstone has highlighted the potential toxicity of some additives and their possible association with tumor development in humans. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asserts that they regularly monitor food additives, ensuring they meet safety standards backed by scientific evidence.

To arrive at these findings, researchers analyzed Nielsen Homescan Consumer Panel data spanning from 2001 to 2019, where participants used handheld scanners to record product codes on their food items.

The study revealed that American consumers purchase over 400,000 different packaged food and beverage products annually, with the average number of additives per product increasing from 3.7 in 2001 to 4.5 in 2019.

The study also identified a notable 22% increase in the purchase of ultra-processed baby foods containing additives. However, there was a silver lining as it showed a decrease in the use of flavor additives in sodas.

The study’s senior investigator, Dr. Barry Popkin, pointed out that these findings reflect an increasing demand for transparency in food labels and brands among Americans. He hopes that policymakers will utilize this data to address the exposure of additives, especially among babies, and to monitor the evolving landscape of packaged foods.

Past research has suggested that diets heavily reliant on ultra-processed foods could lead to serious health issues such as dementia, cancer, and depression. A 2019 French study even linked a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption to a 14% higher risk of early death.

Dr. Dunford, the lead investigator, hopes that her study will serve as a foundation for further investigations into the types and quantities of ingredients used in baby food production in the United States.

She emphasizes the need for continued research to ensure the safety and well-being of newborns and all consumers faced with a growing prevalence of additives in their diets.

— Share —

, , , ,

— About the Author —

Daisy Simon

I enjoy reading and learning about new things in life. I found writing helpful when I began to explore about various topics on WordPress. My interests also lie with movies, lifestyle, and health.

Leave a Reply

Up Next

Managing Autoimmune Disorders Through Yoga: Effective Practices to Consider

In recent years, the intersection between holistic practices like yoga and conventional medicine has garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of managing autoimmune disorders.

A burgeoning body of research suggests that incorporating yoga into treatment plans can offer tangible benefits for individuals grappling with autoimmune conditions. From rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, yoga’s gentle yet powerful techniques hold promise in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.

Yoga, with its emphasis on mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation, provides a multifaceted approach to managing autoimmune disorders. The practice not only addresses physical symptoms but also targets the underlying stress and inflammation that often exacerbate these conditions.

Up Next

Pregnancy Linked to Accelerated Aging Process in Women, Study Finds

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers shed light on a compelling connection between pregnancy and the aging process in women.

The study, led by Calen Ryan, an associate research scientist at the Columbia University Ageing Center, suggests that women who have experienced pregnancy may exhibit more signs of biological aging compared to those who haven’t. Intriguingly, the research also indicates that the aging process may accelerate with multiple pregnancies.

Ryan commented on the findings, stating, “We’re discovering that pregnancy leaves lasting effects on the body. While not all are negative, it appears to heighten the risk of certain diseases and overall mortality.”

Stud

Up Next

Unlocking Hoarding Disorder: Understanding, Support, and Effective Solutions

Hoarding disorder, a mental health condition characterized by persistent difficulty in parting with possessions and accumulating excessive clutter, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood disorder and how to support those who struggle with it.

Defining Hoarding Disorder:

Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition marked by a compulsive urge to accumulate possessions, leading to overwhelming clutter and difficulty discarding items.

According to experts like Brad Schmidt and Gregory Chasson, individuals with hoarding disorder often experience distress at the thought of parting with their belongings and may also have a strong desire to acquire new items.

Up Next

Understanding Cherophobia: Signs, Causes, and Coping Strategies

Cherophobia, a condition characterized by an aversion to happiness, has garnered attention for its impact on mental well-being.

Derived from the Greek word “Chairo,” meaning “I rejoice,” cherophobia manifests as an irrational fear of experiencing joy. Therapist Carolyn Rubenstein explains that this fear often stems from anxious thoughts associated with past trauma or childhood experiences linking happiness to negative outcomes.

Signs of Cherophobia

Recognizing the signs of cherophobia is crucial for identifying individuals who may be struggling with this condition:

Feelings of Guilt and Unworthiness: Those with cherophobia experience guilt and unwor

Up Next

Stress Can Lead to Cortisol Belly: Here’s How to Fix It

Stress can affect our lives in many ways, from our mental health to our relationships, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as ‘cortisol belly’. Cortisol belly, named after the stress hormone, has been widely discussed on social platforms such as TikTok, with users and experts explaining how it occurs, and theorizing what could be done about it.

While you may not have heard of the term ‘cortisol belly’ before, you might have heard of stubborn belly fat or stress belly, which are essentially the same thing. This is because it refers to the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue around the stomach, which has been linked to prolonged exposure to elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

What Is Cortisol Belly?

According to dietitian

Up Next

Sleep Apnea Linked to Air Pollution, Suggests New Study

A new study published in the journal NeuroToxicology suggests that air pollution could add to the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.

The study, led by Bijaya Kumar Padhi from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, claims that although there is no conclusive evidence, there are several plausible pathways to link the two.

For example, the Neuro Toxicology study says, that exposure to persistently high levels of air pollution can cause systemic inflammation or inflammation throughout the body,

Up Next

Aster DM Healthcare Identifies Top Foods to Combat PCOS Symptoms

Google searches related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) reached an all-time high in April 2024 globally, indicating a growing concern and interest in understanding and managing this condition.

PCOS is a widespread hormonal disorder that mainly affects women between the ages of 12 and 51, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances. Fortunately, dietary modifications can significantly mitigate these symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

With this in mind, Global Healthcare Innovator Aster DM Healthcare has put together a list of the top foods to combat PCOS symptoms.

Top Foods to Combat PCOS Symptoms

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

— Follow Us —