Preservatives, colours, flavour enhancers and other additives are common in modern diets — and for some people they can act as hidden triggers.
Food additives are substances added to foods for colour, flavour, texture or shelf life. For most people they cause no issue, but for sensitive individuals certain additives can contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Additives that can act as triggers
- Artificial colours and dyes
- Preservatives such as sulphites and benzoates
- Flavour enhancers
- Certain natural food chemicals, including salicylates and amines
Reading between the labels
Identifying which additives affect you can be difficult, because reactions are often delayed and additives appear across many everyday foods. A detailed history and non-invasive assessment can help pinpoint likely culprits so you can shop and eat with more confidence.