The 47 “E” numbers you should avoid

Although additives have a bad reputation, there are some that are innocuous and suitable for the production of quality and natural products. But it is true that some are under suspicion and should be avoided.

E additives that harm your health

Here is a list so you know how to identify them.

dyes

E-102 Tartrazine E-110 Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S E-127 Erythrosine E-129 Allura Red E-132 Indigotine E-133 Brilliant Blue FCF E-150c Ammonium Caramel E-150d Ammonium Sulfite Caramel E-154 Brown FK E -155 Brown HT E-161g Canthaxanthin E-180g Litolrubin

It has been shown that most promote and exacerbate inattention and hyperactivity in sensitive children. E102 is prohibited so in Norway. E161 occurs naturally in chanterelles and shrimps, but the World Health Organization has drawn attention to studies linking it to liver damage.

preservatives

E-211 Sodium benzoate E-214 Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate E-215 Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate E-218 Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate E-219 Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate E-235 Natamycin E-249 Potassium nitrite E-251 Sodium nitrate

Sodium benzoate in combination with dyes is associated with exacerbation of behavioral problems in children. Of particular concern are hydroxybenzoates due to their effects on the endocrine system and natamycin, an antibiotic used in cheese rinds and sausage skins.

Antioxidants

E-310 Propyl gallate E-311 Octyl gallate E-312 Dodecyl gallate E-319 Tert-butylhydroquinone E-320 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) E-321 Butylated hydroxytoluol (BHT)

The last two must be especially rejected. They are found in all kinds of chips, chewing gum, purées and confectionery mixes. When heated, they break down into metabolites that have been shown to be carcinogenic in animals. Also disrupt the endocrine system. Both accumulate in the fatty tissue of the woman’s body and when she becomes pregnant they can reach the fetus.

Thickeners and fillers

E-407 Carrageenan E-413 Tragacanth gum E-466 Carboxymethylcellulose or sodium carboxymethylcellulose

Carrageenan can cause inflammatory reactions in the intestine, especially in people with a previous alteration. Gum tragacanth is associated with allergic reactions. E466 may be contaminated with carcinogenic dioxins and its excessive intake favors diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

emulsifiers

E-472e Mono- and diacetyltartaric esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids E-476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate

There are studies linking E472 –used in bakery and pastry products– with kidney and heart damage in animals. E476 is also associated with liver and kidney damage when the safety limit is exceeded, something possible in people very fond of chocolates and other chocolate-based products.

flavor enhancers

E-620 Glutamic acid E-621 Monosodium glutamate E-622 Gl. monopotassium E-623 Gl. calcium E-624 Gl. monoammonium E-625 Gl. magnesium E-927 Carbamide

Glutamates can cause headaches and other discomfort in sensitive people. They can favor the obesity.

Sweeteners

E-950 Acesulfame K E-951 Aspartame E-952 Cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts E-962 Aspartame and acesulfame salt

They are associated with obesity and genetic alterations. E951 is also linked to behavioral disorders. E952 is banned in the United States.

Others

E-444 Sucrose isobutyrate acetate E-452 Polyphosphates E-520 Aluminum sulfate E-521 Aluminum and sodium double sulfate E-522 Aluminum and ammonium double sulfate