Food Additives Are Bad For Your Child’s Health

Food sensitivity is a major issue with children. Recent reports have suggested that excessive usage of additives in food could lead to hyperactivity in children.

This report has created quite the ruckus amongst parents and school authorities who are wondering as to how true this study is, and how effective are additives.

Food Sensitivity -

Different reactions can be caused in different people based on the food that they have consumed. A number of mechanisms come into play here; sometimes irritating the nerve endings in varied parts of the body.

Children, especially infants, are seen to be vulnerable to additives in food. This is due to their immature and tender digestive systems. They are not as capable of breaking down the chemicals found in food, as an adult digestive system will be.

Symptoms -

• Lower levels of attention
• Headaches
• Migraine attacks
• Anxiety
• Tonsil
• Congested or runny nose
• Sinusitis
• Disrupted sleep
• Rashes on the skin
• Restlessness
• Bed-wetting
• Asthma
• Nervousness

Dr. Larsen, who is a member of the Danish National Food Institute said that it would be advisable to remove additives altogether from children’s diet. According to him, additives have an ability to worsen a problem that the child may already be facing. For instance, a cold or a migraine attack that a child has, will get worse if he/she consumes food with additives.

What Must Be Avoided?

The cardinal rule of ‘natural is safe’ doesn’t apply here. Unfortunately and sadly, yes, this is true!

Food Color -

Annatto (160b) is, in reality, a natural food coloring substance. High levels of it can be found in confectionery. It can, however, cause significant health problems in children that do not adapt to it suitably. They may react adversely to its consumption.

Beta-carotene, on the other hand, is a yellow-shaded natural plant coloring. It is known for its capability to bring out the desired pigment in food; and at the same time, it is known to have benefits for health.

Flavor Enhancers -

These are another major cause for confusion. Glutamate is a naturally occurring flavor present in tomatoes, broccoli, spinach and mushrooms. This is often added to flavored noodles, stock, chips and crackers; and is known to have some seriously adverse effects on children and their health. MSG, as most health practitioners would say, is one element that you need to keep yourself and your child away from. But the funny part is that MSG stands for Mono-Sodium Glutamate and is made up of natural glutamate.

It is important that as parents, and as consumers, you stay informed about the ingredients of any item that you are purchasing and consuming. Especially when it’s a food item for children, make sure you read the labels well; and ensure that the child isn’t allergic to anything. Avoid picking up foodstuffs with artificial additives in it.