Eight Common Food Additives Linked to Higher Hypertension Risk

Findings from the NutriNet-Santé Study

According to НВ — Техно: On June 18, the European Heart Journal published a study from the NutriNet-Santé project, which established a connection between specific food additives and an increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular conditions. Led by Dr. Mathilde Touvier and doctoral candidate Anaïs Haseböhler at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), the research tracked 112,395 volunteers over a period of seven to eight years. Nearly 99.5% of participants regularly consumed products containing preservatives.

The analysis examined 17 of the most widely used food additives, identifying eight that were associated with a greater risk of hypertension. These include:

• Potassium sorbate (E202)
• Potassium metabisulfite (E224)
• Sodium nitrite (E250)
• Sodium erythorbate (E316)
• Citric acid (E330)
• Rosemary extracts (E392)
• Ascorbic acid (E300)
• Sodium ascorbate (E301)

According to the study, ascorbic acid (E300) was linked to a higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Among participants with the highest intake of non-antioxidant preservatives, the risk of hypertension was 29% greater, while the risk of cardiovascular issues-including angina-rose by 16%. Antioxidant preservatives, meanwhile, were associated with a 22% increase in the likelihood of high blood pressure.

Health Implications

Laboratory experiments suggest that these compounds can trigger oxidative stress and negatively affect the pancreas. This discovery underscores the need for caution when consuming food additives, as their impact on health may be more significant than previously thought.

Ultimately, the results of the NutriNet-Santé study could pave the way for further research and dietary recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings may also influence public health policies and consumer awareness, highlighting the importance of monitoring additive intake for maintaining heart health.

These findings highlight the broader implications of dietary choices on health, particularly in relation to cardiovascular risks. In fact, a recent study revealed that a significant portion of adult mortality can be traced back to unhealthy eating habits. To explore this alarming connection further, check out how poor diet contributes to adult deaths.