E number dangers - Nature Cures®

The United Kingdom government, above most other countries in the world, are allowing the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries to add harmful synthetic chemicals to their products. The unwitting general public are being subjected to a huge range of chemicals by ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin, on a daily basis.

It is no wonder there are so many unexplained health issues that have developed in recent times. Just like with the tobacco companies, it is all aimed at making huge profits for the large corporate cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical companies to the detriment of their customers health.

What are the dangers for children?

Unfortunately, bright synthetic colours make food attractive to children, but, ironically, it is these synthetic colours that can adversely affect children’s health the most. This is at a critical time when a child needs to be healthy and able to learn and develop. The effects of additives could have repercussions on the education and personality of a child for the rest of his or her life.

What are the signs that a child is being affected by E numbers in foods?

Anxiety and/or depression.
Concentration issues.
Hyperactivity.
Irritability.
Oppositional defiance.
Restlessness or difficulty falling asleep.
Temper tantrums.

It is worth investing in a LED light up magnifying glass to check ingredient labels (which are often difficult to see in such small print) for the E numbers below. This is because many, that have been proven to be detrimental to health, are still allowed in products, especially in the UK.

The following E number food colourings are known as the ‘Southampton six’ as it was discovered by a Southampton research team in the UK that they do cause adverse reactions in children. However, they are still not banned by the UK government but must simply show details on food labels that contain them.

What are the ‘Southampton six’ E numbers?

Tartrazine (E102)
Quinoline Yellow (E104)
Sunset Yellow (E110)
Carmoisine (E122)
Ponceau 4R (E124)
Allura Red (E129)

Which artificial additives should be avoided?

Avoidance of the E numbers listed below, by carefully checking ingredients, is advised as these have been proven to cause adverse health conditions especially in children.

NOTE: Government approvals, restrictions, bans and other regulatory details are subject to change.

Artificial colours E100 – E181

E100 Curcumin: Although curcumin is a natural yellow/orange food colouring derived from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome, excessive consumption can cause hives, migraines, nausea, skin rashes and an increased risk of bleeding to those taking anticoagulants and miscarriage in women who are pregnant.

Products that may contain E100

Biscuits
Butter
Carbonated drinks
Cheese
Fish fingers
Margarine

E102 Tartrazine is a bright yellow/orange colouring that is banned in Norway and Austria. It can cause asthma, anxiety, behavioural issues, blurred vision, depression, hyperactivity, migraines, skin rashes, chromosomal damage to the foetus, thyroid cancer and can adversely affect those that are allergic to aspirin.

Products that may contain E102

Alcoholic mixers
Beer
Breakfast cereals
Butter and margarine
Cheeses (orange coloured)
Chicken broth (cubed or powered)
Confectionary and sweets
Cosmetics, body washes, conditioners, moisturisers, shampoos, shaving creams.
Crackers and crisps
Fizzy drinks
Frosting
Ice cream and ice lollies
Jelly
Macaroni cheese
Milk (flavoured)
Pancake mix
Pasta
Pickles
Ready meals with cheese flavourings
Vitamin supplements (chewable)
Yoghurt

E103 Alkanet, Alkannin Alkanet is a yellow/orange colour that is forbidden in some parts of the western world. It can increase hyperactivity in affected children and asthmatics sometimes react badly. It can also adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin.

E104 Quinoline yellow: Side effects include hyperactivity (ADHD) in children, eye damage, blindness, tumours and cancer. When used in cosmetics it can cause dermatitis. It is banned in Australia, USA, Japan and Norway but not the UK.

E105 Fast Yellow AB, Fast Yellow, Acid Yellow, C.I. 13015, C.I. 14270 or Food Yellow 2: Banned in Europe, the UK and the USA due to harmful toxic properties.

E107 Yellow 2G, Acid yellow 17, CI Food yellow 5. Coal tar dye. Used in soft drinks and commercially in printing inks. Banned in Australia (1992), Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and USA. It can cause asthma, rashes and hyperactivity. People sensitive to aspirin and asthma sufferers should avoid it.

E110 Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S This artificial yellow colour has been known to cause abdominal pain, allergic reactions, bronchial constriction, chromosomal damage, distaste for food, eye damage and blindness, hyperactivity, indigestion and gastric upset, kidney tumours, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting, rhinitis (runny nose), swelling of the blood vessels and urticaria (hives). It is potentially dangerous to asthmatics and is known to upset some of the digestive enzymes. It has also been linked to growth retardation and severe weight loss in animal tests and increased incidence of tumours in animals. It is banned in Finland, Norway and the UK.

Products that may contain E110

Baked goods
Cakes
Cereals
Confectionary and sweets
Desert mixes
Ice cream and ice lollies
Medications, nutrient supplements and cough syrups
Soft drinks and squashes
Sauces
Snacks
Soups
Jams and jellies
Tinned fish
Yoghurt

E120 Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines This is a natural red colour obtained by crushing of the female Dactilopius coccus, a cactus-dwelling insect indigenous to Central America. The dye is expensive due to the sheer quantity of shells required to produce a small amount.

Alcoholic drinks may contain the water-soluble form (ammonium carmine), but the insoluble calcium carmine is found in a many more products. Other commercial uses include as an anti-neoplastic agent. It can cause hyperactivity in children and urticaria (hives) and should be avoided by asthmatics, rhinitis sufferers and anyone sensitive to aspirin.

It is banned in the USA but a permitted food colourant in the UK and the EU. However, the term “Cochineal” is no longer permitted on food labels in the UK and must be replaced with either “Carminic acid”, “Carmines”, or the E number E120.

Products that may contain E120

Alcoholic beverages
Cakes
Confectionary and sweets
Dyed cheeses
Fizzy drinks
Icings
Pie fillings
Puddings
Sauces
Soups

E122 Azorubine, Carmoisine Carmoisine or azorubine: This is a synthetic red food dye from the azo dye group. Azorubine is commonly used in the UK. A study commissioned by the UK’s Food Standards Agency found that when used in a mixture of other preservatives or benzoates, increased levels of hyperactivity in children were observed. The process of making synthetic dyes is via treatment of sulphuric acid or nitric acid that is often contaminated by arsenic or other heavy metals that are toxic.

Consuming foods that contain excessive carmoisine will cause allergic skin reactions and can lead to cancer and it can adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin. It is banned in Austria, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States but not the UK or parts of Europe.

Products that may contain E122

Blancmange
Breadcrumbs
Cheesecake mixes
Desserts
Drinks (red coloured)
Jams and preserves
Jellies
Marzipan
Red mouthwashes
Swiss roll
Yoghurts

E123 Amaranth: This should not be confused with palatable amaranth, a small, highly nutritious, protein-rich seed typically used as an alternative to grains, E123 amaranth is a purple-red synthetic coal tar or azo dye used for colouring in food. In its physical form, amaranth is introduced as either a powder, in granules or as aluminium lakes. It is added to processed foods to make them appear more appetising and aperitif wine drinks.

Because E123 amaranth is an azo dye, it has been proven to provoke asthma, eczema and hyperactivity as well as allergic reactions, similar to nettle rash, among asthmatics and individuals who are sensitive to aspirin. Amaranth is considered very dangerous as it increases hyperactivity in affected children.

The FDA in the United States has banned E123 and it is also banned in Austria, Japan, Norway, Russia and Sweden. Accept, for use in caviar, this synthetic colourant is also restricted in France and Italy.

Products that may contain E123

Alcoholic beverages
Confectionery
Glacé cherries
Pharmaceutical products

E124 Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A: This is an artificial synthetic coal tar and azo red dye that can increase hyperactivity in affected children and asthmatics sometimes react badly. It can also adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin and has shown to be a carcinogen in animals. It is estimated that one in 10,000 people are allergic to E124. It is banned in Canada, Norway, USA (in 1976 for cancer causing agents) and restricted in Sweden but still allowed in the UK.

Products that may contain E124

Desert mixes
Salami
Soups
Tinned fruit
Toppings

E127 Erythrosine: This is a coal tar red dye, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, that can cause sensitivity to light and learning difficulties. It can also increase thyroid hormone levels and lead to hyperthyroidism and was shown to cause thyroid cancer in rats in a study in 1990. It may increase hyperactivity in affected children, asthmatics sometimes react badly, and it can adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin.

It is used as a biological stain and serves as an adsorption and fluorescent indicator, a dental plaque disclosing agent and a radiopaque medium. It has been suggested that erythrosine may affect thyroid activity due the presence of iodine in the molecule which may be released upon degradation and that erythrosine may be carcinogenic. It is also used as an ingredient to kill maggot lava and flies.

It is banned in Norway and was banned in the USA in January 1990 but not recalled by the United States FDA. It is not banned in the UK.

Products that may contain E127

Alcoholic beverages
Bakery and snack foods
Biscuits
Cakes
Canned fruits
Cherry, strawberry and rhubarb packet deserts
Confectionery
Custard mixes
Pet foods
Printing inks
Processed cooked meat
Spreads and pâté

E128 Red 2G: This is a synthetic red coal tar and azo dye, which is used particularly in meat products. The latter may contain sulphur dioxide and metabisulfite which normally have a bleaching effect, but Red 2G is relatively unaffected. There is evidence that Red 2G can be converted to aniline in the gut and laboratory tests have shown that aniline causes anaemia in rats, as it affects haemoglobin in red blood cells and it may cause damage to genes and a skin rash.

E128 should be avoided by hyperactive children, asthmatics and aspirin sensitive people and is thought to be carcinogenic when added to foods. Banned in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand, USA and the UK, and many other places.

Products that may contain E128

Jams
Processed meats
Soft drinks

E129 Allura Red AC Allura red: This is an orange-red synthetic azo dye believed to produce a slightly less severe reaction by asthmatics and individuals who are intolerant to aspirin, however, allura red has also been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. It increases the production of serotonin within the intestines, resulting in a change in the composition of the microflora which can have many detrimental effects on the body. Individuals with skin sensitivities are advised to avoid E129.

The substance has been banned in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland but not in the UK or USA.

Products that may contain E129

Biscuits
Cake mixes
Condiments
Confectionary
Cosmetics
Dairy products
Drugs
Fruit flavoured fillings
Gelatine
Pharmaceuticals
Puddings

E131 Patent Blue V: This is a synthetic blue-violet coal tar dye used only moderately in the food industry in Scotch eggs. It is mainly used to colour the lymph vessels and as a cardiovascular investigative dye. It is also used as an acid base indicator.

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported include itching and nettle rash, nausea, low blood pressure and, in rare cases, anaphylactic shock. Asthmatics sometimes react badly, and it can adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin. Anyone with allergies or intolerances should be cautious.

It is banned in Australia, Norway, Japan, New Zealand and USA but is not banned in the UK.

Products that may contain E129

Bakery products
Beverages
Confectionary
Dairy products
Meat products
Pharmaceuticals and diagnostic processes
Scotch eggs

E132 lndigotine, Indigo Carmine: This is a synthetic coal tar blue dye that is normally produced by a synthesis of indoxyl by fusion of sodium phenylglycinate in a mixture of caustic soda and sodamide. The chemical structure of indigo was determined by Prussian chemist J. F. W. Adolf von Baeyer in 1883. It is often used as a diagnostic aid (e.g. in kidney function tests).

It can increase hyperactivity in affected children, asthmatics sometimes react badly to it, and it can adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin. Be cautious if suffering from any kind of allergies or intolerances. It can cause brain tumours, breathing problems, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting and skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Indigo carmine is also used as a photometric detector, and a biological stain.

It is banned in Norway but not the rest of the world.

Products that may contain E132

Baked goods
Biscuits
Confectionary and sweets
Ice cream
Medications (tablets and capsules)
Milk deserts

E133 Brilliant Blue FCF: This is a synthetic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, triphenylmethane blue dye usually occurring as an aluminium lake (solution) or ammonium salt. It may increase hyperactivity in affected children and can cause chromosomal damage, bronchial constriction (combined with E127 and E132) and skin rashes.

It was banned in British Commonwealth 1972-1980 and is now banned in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway Switzerland and Sweden.

Products that may contain E133

Confectionary
Dairy products
Drinks
Inks
Fabric and wood dye
Protein stain

E142 Green S: This is a synthetic coal tar derivative used as a green dye. It can cause and worsen asthma and hyperactivity and has caused skin rashes and cancer in animal tests. It is banned in Canada, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the USA but not the UK.

Products that may contain E142

Cake mixes
Confectionery
Desserts
Gravy granules
Mint jelly and sauce
Packaged breadcrumbs
Tinned peas

E150 a to d: These are dark brown colours made from sucrose in the presence of ammonia, ammonium sulphate, sulphur dioxide or sodium hydroxide. The types of caramel colour available include:

E150 a: Plain caramel: (spirit) caramel (prepared by controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates with or without an acid or base),
E150 b: Caustic sulphite caramel (produced by heat treatment of carbohydrates with sulphur containing compounds),
E150 c: Ammonia caramel (heat treatment in the presence of ammonia)
E150 d: Sulphite ammonia caramel

These should be avoided as they can cause hyperactivity. Some caramels may also damage genes, slow down growth, cause enlargement of the intestines and kidneys and may destroy the vitamin B complex in the body. It can be manufactured without ammonia. E150 caramel colourants are not banned anywhere in the world.

Products that may contain E150a, E150b, E150c and E150d

Beer
Biscuits
Bread
Cakes
Chocolate
Confectionary and sweets
Crisps
Doughnuts
Fizzy drinks
Flour products
Fruit sauces
Ice cream
Oyster sauce
Pâté
Pickles
Preserves
Sauces
Soya sauce
Whiskey
Wine
Vegetable protein and similar meat substitutes

E151 Brilliant Black BN, Black PN: This is a synthetic brown/black coal tar derivative that can be carcinogenic. It can increase hyperactivity in affected children, asthmatics sometimes react badly, and it can adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin. Be cautious if suffering from allergies or intolerances and it may cause urticaria and problems for rhinitis sufferers. Also known to interfere with some digestive enzymes.

E151 is banned in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the USA and greatly restricted Sweden. It is not banned in the UK.

Products that may contain E151

Baked goods
Blackcurrant cake mixes
Brown sauces
Confectionery
Fish paste
Ice cream
Jellies
Sauces
Shellfish (semi-prepared)
Soft drinks

E152 Black 7984, Food Black 2, or C.I. 27755: This is a brown-to-black synthetic diazo dye. It usually comes as a tetrasodium salt. It is also used in cosmetics. It appears to cause allergic or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance.

It is a histamine liberator and may worsen the symptoms of asthma. It is one of the colourants that the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group recommends be eliminated from the diet of children.

Its use was discontinued in USA and EU in 1984. It is currently delisted and not used anymore both in the European Union and USA. It is also banned in Australia, Japan and the UK.

E153 Vegetable carbon or activated charcoal: This is used as a black colourant. It’s produced from the incomplete combustion of vegetable matter like wood or coconut shells.

This can increase hyperactivity in affected children. Be cautious if suffering from allergies or intolerances.

E153 is banned in the United States but allowed in other countries.

Products that may contain E153

Baked goods
Jams
Jelly crystals
Liquorice
As a colour for fine cookware.

E154 Brown FK Kipper or Food Brown: This is made from 6 azo dyes and sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate. It is mainly used to give fish flesh a healthy pigment which will not leach or fade during cooking.

E154 is banned in Austria, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA and all EEC countries but not in the UK.

Products that may contain E154

Cooked meats
Crisps (potato chips)
Smoked and cured fish

E155 Brown HT: This is a brown colour, coal tar and azo dye; used in chocolate cake mixes. It may increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly, and it can adversely affect those that are sensitive to aspirin. Be cautious if suffering from allergies or food intolerances. It is also known to induce skin sensitivity and is thought to be a carcinogenic in food.

E154 is banned in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and USA but not in the UK.

Products that may contain E154

Any products where a chocolate colour is required
Biscuits
Cakes
Cheeses
Confectionery
Desserts
Fish
Milk

E160a Carotenes: This is available as both synthetic and natural and companies do not have to specify which one they use.

Natural beta-carotene has been shown to be a powerful cancer preventive substance when ingested with natural food sources of vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and zinc.

WARNING: Do not take zinc sulphate as it has been shown to cause cancer. (“Cancer-Causing Agents” by Ruth Winter) and excessive beta carotene can cause lung cancer in smokers.

Natural beta carotene has been proven to reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and strengthen the immune system and protect the eyes.

Synthetic beta carotene has been shown to increase the risk of cancer and to increase the death rates among smokers.

WARNING: The word “natural” means nothing legally in the food and cosmetic industries. Almost all beta-carotene supplements do not specify the source of the beta-carotene.

NOTE: Do not buy natural beta-carotene extracted from carrots or carrot oil. It is extracted with the extremely dangerous solvent hexane, and hexane residue will always remain in the product. Hexane has been proven to cause birth defects, DNA damage and cancer.

NOTE: When beta-carotene is used in cosmetics it is declared as C.I.75130.

Ideally, natural beta-carotene (with the source given) should always contain natural vitamin E, which is a safe preservative.

E160b Annatto; Bixin; Norbixin Red colour; This is derived from a tree (bixa orellana). Water soluble annatto contains bixin, a carotenoid and the main colourant which may be interconverted by hydrolysis to norbixin. Water soluble annatto contains sodium or potassium salts of norbixin as the major colourant. Annatto, bixin and norbixin can be used in a great variety of foods due to being either oil or water soluble.

E160b is known to cause urticaria (nettle rash) and flare-ups of angioneurotic oedema. It is also implicated in asthma (containing salicylic acid) and hyperactivity in children.

Products that may contain E160b

Butter
Cakes
Cereals
Crisps (potato chips)
Cheese spreads
Cooking oils
Fruit fillings
Ice cream
Ice lollies
Margerine
Pastries
Sauces
Smoked fish
Snacks
Soft drinks

Fruit fillings, cheese, spreads, sauces, oil, cakes, butter, margarine, pastry, crisps, ice cream, ice lollies and smoked fish.

E160b is also used as a body paint, fabric dye, antibacterial, antioxidant, digestive aid, expectorant, soaps, textiles and varnishes.

E160d Lycopene: This is a natural red colour derived from tomatoes. However, lycopene prevents the clotting of blood as it contains blood thinners. Therefore should not be consumed with other blood-thinning agents such as aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. E160e Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C30).

E171 Titanium dioxide: This isused as a whitening and brightening agent in various products however, it poses a risk of genotoxicity (DNA damage).

E171 is banned in Europe including Ireland. It is not banned in the UK, Australia or the USA.

Products that may contain E171

Baked goods
Chewing gum
Cosmetics
Confectionary
Pharmaceuticals
Sauces
Soups

E172 Iron oxides and hydroxides. This colourant can change the composition of bacteria in the digestive tract (the microbiome) and disrupt the immune system. Experiments with mice have shown that it promotes inflammation and promotes irritable bowel syndrome.

Products that may contain E172

Bakery products
Confectionery
Cosmetics (eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks, and sunscreens
Pharmaceuticals (to colour tablets and capsules)

E173 Aluminium: This is made through a process called electrolysis, following the extraction and purification of bauxite ore. The process involves dissolving alumina (aluminium oxide) in molten cryolite and then using electrolysis to separate the aluminium from the oxygen.

There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that an accumulation of aluminium in the cells of the nervous system can be toxic as it is found in very high levels in the brain cells of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, accumulated in the neurofibrillary tangles and neurotic plaques, but it is not yet known whether it is a cause or result of the disease.

Several studies have also shown that excessive aluminium intake may have adverse effects on the metabolism of phosphorous and calcium in the human body and may induce or intensify skeletal abnormalities such as osteoporosis. Increased urinary excretion of magnesium and calcium has been reported following regular antacid use.

E171 is banned in Australia, Canada, the European Union and the USA. It is not banned in the UK.

Products that may contain E171

Beverages
Cakes decorations
Confectionery.
Aluminium pots and pans and cooking utensils.
To provide a silvery finish to pills and tablets.
It is added to the tap water drinking supply in some areas to remove discoloration.
It can be ingested from soft drinks in aluminium cans used past their sell-by dates.
Pharmaceuticals such as antacids.

E180 Litholrubine BK: This is a synthetic red azo dye which can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, or respiratory problems and has the possibility of exacerbating conditions like asthma and rhinitis. It’s also been linked to hyperactivity and attention disorders, and some research suggests it may mimic female sex hormones.

E180 is banned in Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA. It is not banned in Europe or the UK.

Products that may contain E180

Cheese rinds
Cosmetics like blushers, lip balms, lipsticks, nail polish etc.
Fabric dyes
Mineral water (sourced and bottled in Europe and the UK)
Paints and plastics
Printing inks
Processed foods and ready meals (in Europe and the UK)

E181 Tannic acid, Tannins. Approved worldwide. Tannins are found naturally in many foods and are considered safe as an additive but can be the cause of migraines in susceptible individuals.

E number preservatives

Sorbates are added to margarine, dips, cakes and fruit products.

E200 Sorbic acid: Can cause headaches and intestine upset.

E202 Potassium sorbate: Can cause headaches and intestine upset and may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.

Potassium sorbate (E202): used to inhibit mould and yeast growth in foods, potassium

E203 Calcium sorbate: Can cause headaches and intestine upset.

Benzoates are added to juices, soft drinks, cordials, syrups, medications etc. All the following benzoates can cause headaches; intestine upset and may increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if suffering from any allergies or intolerances. May cause cancer.

E210 Benzoic acid

E211 Sodium benzoate

E212 Potassium benzoate

E213 Calcium benzoate

E214 Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate

E215 Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate

E216 Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate

E217 Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate

E218 Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate

E219 Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate

Sulphites are added to dried fruit, fruit drinks, sausages and many other foods. The following sulphites can cause headaches, intestine upset, skin disorders and destroys vitamin B12.

E220 Sulphur dioxide

E221 Sodium sulphite

E222 Sodium hydrogen sulphite

E223 Sodium metabisulphite

E224 Potassium metabisulphite

E225 Potassium sulphite

E226 Calcium sulphite

E227 Calcium hydrogen sulphite

E228 Potassium hydrogen sulphite

E230 – E262 can cause headaches, skin disorders and intestinal upsets.

E230 Biphenyl; diphenyl

E231 Orthophenyl phenol

E232 Sodium orthophenyl phenol

E233 Thiabendazole,2-(Thiazol-4-yl) benzimidazole

E234 Nisin

E235 Natamycin

E236 Formic acid

E237 Sodium formate

E238 Calcium formate

E239 Hexamethylene tetramine May cause cancer

E242 Dimethyl dicarbonate

Nitrites are added to processed meats like bacon, sausages, ham, frozen meals, frozen pizzas, pepperoni, hot dogs, canned soups with meat, ravioli meat dishes etc. Vitamin C naturally found in fresh fruits and vegetables has been shown to help prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines.

E249 Potassium nitrite Upsets the blood pressure.

E250 Sodium nitrite Sodium nitrate has been strongly linked to the formation of cancer-causing nitrasamines in the human body, leading to a sharp increase in the risk of cancer for those consuming them. A 2005 Hawaii University study found that eating processed meats increased the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67%, whilst another study found that it increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 50%.

These are scary numbers for those consuming processed meats on a regular basis. Sodium nitrite also upsets the blood pressure.

E252 Potassium nitrate Upsets the blood pressure.

Propionates are added to bread, crumpets, bakery products etc and can cause many adverse effects.

E280 Propionic acid can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, nausea and vomiting and stomach ulcers. Contact can cause skin irritation and severely affect the eyes and inhalation can cause nose, throat and lung irritation leading to coughing wheezing and shortness of breath.

E281 Sodium propionate can cause abdominal discomfort, flatulence and nausea

E282 Calcium propionate chronic exposure, especially in children, might induce behavioural changes.

E283 Potassium propionate Very high levels of propionic acid are neurotoxic, due to their effects in children with propionic acidaemia. This is a metabolic disease in which propionates cannot be broken down in the body due to an inborn enzyme deficiency, resulting in an accumulation of propionate in the blood. Complications can include arrhythmia, gastrointestinal symptoms, learning disabilities, seizures and recurrent infections and many other health issues.

E284 Boric acid Both boric acid and E285 borax below, lead to chronic poisoning with regular consumption of large quantities, which leads to physical decay, cramps, diarrhoea and perceptual disorders. May damage fertility and may damage the unborn child.

Products that can contain E284 and E285

Caviar
Crackers
Meatballs
Noodles
Snacks

E285 Sodium tetraborate; borax: Can have effects on the upper respiratory tract and testes and cause infertility problems.

E290 Carbon dioxide Can cause stomach upsets.

Synthetic antioxidants are added to margarines, vegetable oils, fried foods, snacks, biscuits etc and can cause eczema.

E310 Propyl gallate

E311 Octyl gallate

E312 Dodecyl gallate

E315 Erythorbic acid

E316 Sodium erythorbate

E319 to E321 may increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if suffering from any allergies or intolerances. Not be suitable for babies. Can affect cholesterol levels.

E319 Tert-ButylHydroQuinone

E320 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

E number artificial sweeteners

E420 Sorbitol. Banned in some countries

E421 Mannitol may have a laxative effect banned in some countries.

E951 Aspartame There are over 92 health side effects associated with aspartame consumption. Because aspartame can dissolve into solution it can travel throughout the body and deposit in any tissue. Aspartame brings on clinical diabetes and causes convulsions. It is not banned anywhere in the world.

Products that contain aspartame are Coca Cola and Pepsi drinks, Children’s Tylenol Chewable Tablets, Flintstones Complete Children’s Chewable Vitamins, Metamucil Sugarfree, Breath Savers, Wrigley’s Extra Sugar Free Gum, Kellogg’s All Bran, Chewable Vitamin D supplements, Twin Labs Endurance Quick fix Powder, Calcilyte.

See>> Aspartame Dangers.

E967 Xylitol, often found in chewing gum and breath mints is toxic to dogs. See Nature Cures for pets

E407 Carrageenan Can cause peptic disorder

E412 Guar gum is a fibre extracted from the seed of the Guar plant which is a leguminous shrub Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. It contains about 80% of galactomannan, 10% moisture, 10% protein and trace amounts of heavy metals and ash. The amount of these impurities depends on the species, sources and purification process.

Some manufacturers promote guar gum as a agent for weight loss because it decreases appetite by providing a “feeling of fullness. Guar gum can swell as much as 20-fold. If a user takes an excessive amount of guar gum powder it may cause obstruction at the oesophagus.

The use of guar gum as an ingredient in non-prescription diet aids was officially banned in the early 1990s by the FDA. It would bind with liquids in the stomach and swell, causing a feeling of satisfying fullness. This swollen mass could also cause dangerous intestinal and duodenal blockages, however.

Guar gum was declared unsafe and ineffective for use as a non-prescription diet aid, although it is still used in processed products such as beverages, soups, cottage cheese and some frozen desserts like ice cream and sauces as a food thickener and binder.

Guar gum is used as a laxative. It is also used for treating the following health issues:

It is also used for reducing cholesteroland preventing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

In processed foods and beverages, guar gum is used as a thickening, stabilizing, suspending and binding agent. In manufacturing, guar gum is used as a binding agent in tablets and as a thickening agent in lotions and creams.

Guar gum can reduce chemical absorption which means it may also reduce glucose absorption and cause glucose fluctuations. During the fermentation of guar gum in the large intestine, carbon dioxide, fatty acid and hydrogen are produced, and they will lower the pH of the medium. Prolonged ingestion of guar gum increased the odds for colorectal cancer in the studies of rats.

One group explained that the soluble fibre did not raise distal butyrate concentration high enough to protect the colon from cancer, as butyrate demonstrated to slow the growth of cancer cells cultured in vitro. However, two other studies suggested that guar gum was non-carcinogenic.

It has also been found that dietary fibre supplementation with 10% pectin or with 10% guar gum (fed during the promotional stage of carcinogenesis suppressed colon cancer incidence in study of rats. So it is unclear if guar gum promotes cancers or suppresses cancers.

E413 Tragacanth Be cautious if suffering from allergies or intolerances.

E432 Polysorbate 20. Banned in some countries.

E434 Polysorbate 40. Banned in some countries.

E461 to E466 can cause peptic disorders

E461 Methyl cellulose

E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose

E464 Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Banned in some countries.

E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose

E466 Carboxy methyl cellulose

E number acidity regulators, anti-caking agents, anti-foaming agents, bulking agents, carriers and carrier solvents, emulsifying salts, firming agents, flavour enhancers, flour treatment agents, foaming agents, glazing agents, humectants, modified starches, packaging gases, propellants, raising agents and sequestrates.

E330 Citric acid can cause intestinal upset and cancer.

E334 Tartaric acid L-(+) can cause intestinal upset

E338 to E341 can cause peptic disorders

E338 Phosphoric acid

E339 Sodium phosphates

E340 Potassium phosphates

E341 Calcium phosphates

E385 Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate; calcium disodium EDTA is widely used to dissolve lime scale and can cause mineral imbalance. Known enzyme and blood coagulant inhibitor. Gastrointestinal disturbances, blood in urine, kidney damage and muscle cramps are side effects.

E450 Diphosphates Can cause peptic disorder

E470 Fatty acids salts.

E474 Sucroglycerides.

E483 Stearyl tartrate. Banned in some countries.

E553b Talc has been linked with pulmonary issues, lung, skin and ovarian cancer. Inhalation of dust may cause silicosis, and it is a known human carcinogen

E621 Monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a dangerous chemical found in virtually all processed meat products. MSG is a dangerous excitotoxin linked to neurological disorders such as migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, loss of appetite control, obesity and many other serious health conditions.

Manufacturers use MSG to add an addictive savoury flavour to dead-tasting processed meat products. Added to flavoured crackers, snacks, takeaways, Chinese foods, instant noodles, soups etc. and can cause headaches, dizziness and chest pains.

E627 Disodium guanylate Added to flavoured crackers, snacks, takeaways, Chinese foods, instant noodles, soups etc. and can cause headaches, dizziness and chest pains.

E631 Disodium inosinate Added to flavoured crackers, snacks, takeaways, Chinese foods, instant noodles, soups etc. and can cause headaches, dizziness and chest pains.

E635 Disodium 5′-ribonucieotides Added to flavoured crackers, snacks, takeaways, Chinese foods, instant noodles, soups etc. and can cause headaches, dizziness and chest pains.

E1223 Methylisothiazolinone (MI or MIT), also known asmethylisothiazoline, is a powerful synthetic biocide and preservative commonly used in a range of consumer personal care products including cosmetics, lotions, moisturisers, mouthwashes, sanitary wipes, shampoos, soaps, sunscreens as well as dish washing-up liquid and paint.

It is a cytotoxin that may affect different types of cells and dermatologists have long been concerned about a rise in the number of people having allergic responses to it. It can cause cell and nerve damage and is lethal to mature neurons in the brain due to its ability to liberate zinc from intracellular metal binding sites. The liberated zinc, in turn, triggers a cell death cascade in neurons. Check as other names such as:

Synonyms: MI; 2-Methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone, 3(2H)-Isothiazolone, 2-methyl-, Caswell No. 572A, 2-Methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one

Trade Names: KathonCG 243; Kordek 50; Kordek 50C; Kordek MLX; Microcare MT; N-Methylisothiazolin-3-one; N-Methylisothiazolone; Neolone; Neolone 950; NeoloneCapG; Neolone M 10; Neolone M 50; Neolone PE; Optiphen MIT; OriStar MIT; ProClin 150; ProClin 950; SPX; and Zonen MT

Sudan scarlet red food dye

Red Sudan dyes have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and these findings could also be significant for human health. Because Sudan dyes may contribute to the development of cancer in people they are not considered safe to eat. But there is no immediate risk of illness. At the levels found the risk is likely to be very small but an accumulation over a long period of time could prove fatal. Sudan red dye have no E numbers.

The UK Food Standards Agency is working with local authorities to stop all products containing Sudan dyes (this includes Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III and Sudan IV, otherwise known as scarlet red) from being sold in the UK. It is also asking companies that produce and sell these products to make sure they are withdrawn and recalled.

Cargoes of dried and crushed or ground chilli and curry powders coming into any country in the EU must be accompanied by a certificate showing they have been tested and found to be free of Sudan dyes. Random sampling is also being carried out at ports and by local authorities. All consignments found to contain these dyes are destroyed.

The problem is if people order online from abroad the product they buy may not have been through any safety tests so always check any food items you purchase online to make sure it does not contain Sudan red food dye.

Why E numbers need investigating further.

Many of these toxic additives have been proven to cause serious health issues and the questions is why are they being ignored? The cost to the UK’s National Health Service must be huge. But, because UK doctors do not have the time to fully investigate the root causes of allergies, skin rashes, headaches, hyperactivity in children, nutrient deficiencies, and all the other side effects of these chemicals, nothing is done about it Because of this, there is no record being kept showing how harmful these E numbers are to people’s health.

Then, instead of stopping the contact with the chemical that is the culprit, doctors simply prescribe more synthetic chemicals to treat the symptoms. This worsens the body’s ability to recover and the spiral toward ill health continues.

Because the food industry is ‘mostly’ profit led, nutrition is not a high priority to the processed food producers. Costs are cut, cheap synthetic ingredients used, and important nutrients stripped from foods to make managing, packaging and transportation easier, shelf life longer and profits higher.

Refined, processed and poor-quality food is causing more illness and malnutrition in humans than any other factor and is responsible for the steep rise in many conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, bone, skin and blood disorders, obesity, reduced immunity to bacteria, virus and fungal infections and cancer.

The food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries exploded just 80 years ago, just after the end of World War II, which means the long-term effects of human consumption of these synthetic additives has not yet been fully assessed.

No trials were carried out for most of the 1000+ E numbers that have been synthesised since the 1940s, and it seems, human beings are being used to test these products without their consent. While these industries make huge profits to the detriment of peoples health. The synthetic chemicals are only looked at, limited or banned when scientists have had the time to access them. Meanwhile, they are allowed to be added to products being bought and consumed by the general public.

Many are just coming to light now as more reports of adverse conditions are linked to additives in foods. The artificial sweetener E951 Aspartame is one example. See Aspartame dangers

The food industry denies any responsibility for the adverse effects of this additive, yet a 60-day abstinence has improved and even cured many people’s health problems. Because it takes so long for conditions to manifest from chemical additives, as they slowly build up in the system, many other factors can be blamed. This is why the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries get away with adding substances that can cause ill health.

When synthetic supplements are added to food to make it more sellable, the nutrients and cofactors required for absorption are ignored. The body needs a balance of nutrients that scientists have not yet established. The purpose of hundreds of phytonutrients and minerals in the body processes that exist in whole natural foods is not yet fully understood. Therefore, stripping nutrients or adding them during processing can be hazardous to health until these processes are fully understood.

The human body evolved to consume natural whole foods and, many people’s systems cannot cope with the flood of chemicals ingested, inhaled and absorbed by the skin on a daily basis.

Why supplement additives should be avoided

This ignorance about human bodily micro-processes is why stripping the necessary nutrients from foods such as grains and salt before selling it to humans for consumption is a practice that should be ceased. Adding a cheaper synthetic version of those stripped out nutrients afterwards or adding other artificial nutrients that don’t even belong in that food, to beguile the consumer into purchasing the product, is simply cheating people out of the healthy naturally balanced nutritious food before it was refined for the sake of profit.

For instance, the type of vitamin D that humans can absorb is vitamin D3 but often they are sold the version that is useless to the body which is vitamin D2.

In the UK, when doctors still prescribed supplements to those that were deficient, they prescribed vitamin D2 in crunchy tablets with artificial flavours and aspartame added to sweeten them. So patients were given an unabsorbable vitamin D2 concoction with E number flavours and colours and the harmful E951 aspartame sweetener?

It is almost as if the doctor was trying to drum up business! However, that was not the case. It was firstly, that doctors are controlled financially so can only prescribe what is allowed by the NHS managers who have no idea about the dangers of food additives or allergies etc. Secondly, doctors are also ignorant of the dangers of synthetic additives and nutrition is not a big part of their studies at university either even though it should be.

It should also be an essential part of the school curriculum too. Today, young people have no idea what they should eat and consume huge amounts of unhealthy refined and processed foods with hundreds of artificial additives every day. This then leads to allergies and nutrient deficiencies which can then lead to mental health disorders, weight gain, diabetes and worse as time goes on.

Some industries even sell the important compounds they strip from human food products on to other industries to make bigger profits rather than leave them in the food for human consumption such as happens with salt. Cheap nutrient-free refined table salt and addictive sugar is added to everything, so that the consumer will repeatedly buy and eat it, as are many other artificial chemicals to add colour, taste, shelf life and to hide impurities.

Genetically modified food

Foods are being genetically modified to withstand more powerful pesticides, herbicides and fungicides and last far longer without naturally decaying. This means the natural balance in food is being altered and humans are ingesting traces of ever-increasing powerful chemicals that are poisonous.

The balanced food of nature has the right amounts of chemicals already present. Altering this by artificial means is dangerous because it is not yet known what all these chemicals functions in the body are. Interfering with the natural evolution of plants and animals means that the protection these organisms have developed over thousands of years against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses suddenly becomes distorted.

The result could be mutations that creates ‘superbugs’ that there is no natural protection from. Crossing species is upsetting the natural balance in the food chain which scientists do not, as yet, fully comprehend.

Related subjects

A-Z of hazards to health
Allergies
Asthma
Mental health disorders
Skin disorders