The Top 10 E Numbers to Try and Avoid
There are a wide variety of E numbers in existence these days, but what are the top 10 E numbers to try and avoid?
Many people are concerned about the long-term effects of consuming E numbers and especially the effect they could have on children. Although E numbers do go through lengthy testing processes before being unleashed on the unsuspecting members of the public, sometimes certain numbers do have a negative effect on consumers. Often it’s because a person is particularly sensitive to an ingredient or element within the E number, or because it exacerbates an existing condition they have.
Choosing just 10 E numbers worth avoiding is a bit tricky, as there are lots that it would be ideal to avoid if you’re concerned about your health. But the following 10 are at the top of the avoidance list.
E Numbers To Avoid
1. E102 – tartrazine. This yellow food colouring has already been banned from use in Norway and Austria, yet it’s continued being used in food and drinks in the UK. In recent years, since a study found it was linked to hyperactivity in children, the UK government have suggested it should be avoided by children, but adults may well want to avoid it too. E102 is commonly found in products such as mustard, marmalade, jelly, marzipan, ice lollies, fizzy drinks, squash, custard powder and soups.2. E122 – carmoisine. E122 is a synthetic red dye that’s used as a colouring in many foods. Already banned in several countries, including Norway, Japan, America and Sweden, this colouring is found in products such as sweets, yogurts, packet soup, jelly and jam. It has been positively linked to hyperactivity in children and the UK government recommend that children may be better avoiding it, but it can also cause allergic reactions in adults too.
3. E129 – allura red. E129 is a red or orange like synthetic dye which is used as a food colouring in drinks and sweets. As well as being linked to hyperactive behaviour in children, it may also cause allergic skin reactions in adults, especially anyone sensitive to aspirin. It’s worth noting that E129 has already been banned in many countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Norway and Sweden.
4. E104 – quinoline yellow. As the name suggests, E104 is a synthetic yellow colouring and is used in products such as smoked haddock and scotch eggs to provide a yellow tinge. Already banned in countries such as Japan, America, Australia and Norway, the colouring has been linked to health and hyperactive problems in children.
5. E621 – monosodium glutamate. Otherwise known as MSG, E621 is a flavour enhancer that’s commonly used to pep up food products and make them taste better. Unfortunately, it is known to cause problems for some people – and certain people seem to more sensitive to its effects than others. Amongst the known side effects, MSG can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, muscle pain, palpitations and even pain.
6. E951 – aspartame. E951 is an artificial sweetener that’s commonly used as a sweetening ingredient. In particular, it’s often found in products aimed at dieters or diabetics, such as desserts, low-fat foods, low sugar drinks, snacks and sweets. It’s well known to be linked to problems in people who suffer from the condition PKU, and they are well advised to avoid it completely. But aspartame has become a concern to other people too and side effects, such as headaches, have often been reported.
7. E211 – sodium benzoate. E211 is an E number that’s used as a preservative and is found in products such as margarine, salad dressing, soy sauce, sweets and soft drinks. Studies have found that it’s linked to hyperactivity in children, plus it may cause reactions in people have allergic conditions or asthma.
8. E151 – black PN / brilliant black BN. E151 is a form of black synthetic dye that is used as a food colouring in some products. However, concerns have been raised in other countries, as it’s been linked to allergic reactions in some people. It is already banned in Australia, Austria, America, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium and France.
9. E133 – Brilliant blue FCF. E133 is another synthetic colouring dye, which adds a blue colour to some products. Some people have been found to experience allergic reactions after consuming products containing E133 and this E number is already banned in Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Germany and Norway.
10. E213 – calcium benzoate. E213 is a form of preservative that’s used to lengthen the shelf life of foods and drinks. It’s often found in low sugar products, but it has been linked to side effects in people who have allergic conditions.
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