A new study found that everyday additives in common snacks and drinks could be altering the immune pathways in children
Scientists have discovered a link between food additives and immune pathways in children, suggesting they could play a part in triggering childhood asthma. They have singled out sweeteners, colourants, and preservatives as potential villains that worsen the condition.
These additives are found in a multitude of ultra-processed foods and are often used to boost the taste or appearance of the product or to extend its shelf life. Prior studies have shown that kids consume more ultra-processed foods than adults, while also being more susceptible to the harmful effects of these synthetic ingredients.
Negative impacts of these components can range from allergies to an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to News Medical. Certain additives, like sodium benzoate and methylparaben, have already been directly associated with skin allergies or asthma attacks.
It is already established that certain additives can trigger asthma. Some research has even indicated that women who drink more artificially sweetened noncarbonated beverages face a higher risk of having children with childhood asthma.
A new study, published in the Frontiers journal, has shed light on a potential reason why food additives could be disrupting metabolic and immune system pathways in children. The research involved 120 children with asthma and 120 control subjects, with serum samples collected from both groups to measure the levels of 10 food additives.
The 10 additives and some of their top uses:
- Neotame – a sweetener in candies, drinks, baked goods and more
- Aspartame – a sweetener in diet, low-fat and sugar-free items
- sodium saccharin – a sweetener in drinks, food and some medications
- ponceau 4R – a red food colouring
- Sucralose – a sweetener in candy, drinks and chewing gum
- benzoic acid – a preservative in food and medications
- Cyclamate – a sweetener in beverages, desserts and jams
- Acesulfame – a sweetener and flavour enhancer in baked goods
- Dehydroacetic acid – a preservative in skincare, food and personal care products
- Sunset yellow – a yellow food colouring
The amount of each additive found in the serum samples can indicate the exposure levels within the body. Dehydroacetic acid, benzoic acid, and cyclamate were detected at the highest rates of 99.58%, 99.17%, and 69.17%, respectively.
In the group of asthmatic children, concentration levels of dehydroacetic and benzoic acids were significantly higher than those of the control group.
However, the scientists acknowledged a potential limitation in their study as certain additives, such as aspartame, were not easily detected in the serum samples. This was not due to a lack of exposure, but rather because it is rapidly broken down in the gut.
The researchers concluded: “Food additives may aggravate asthma by metabolically dysregulating the homeostasis of helper T-cells and antigen-presenting cells, thereby disrupting immune tolerance.”