Sodium Sulfite
Preservatives
- Potentially Harmful
Definition
A type of sulfite used as a preservative to help maintain the appearance of freshness in food products.
Health Impact
Can inhibit the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, leading to other diseases. Some people are sensitive to sulfites and can have serious reactions to them ranging from wheezing to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. As a result, sulfites should be avoided by anyone with a sulfite allergy or sensitivity. People with asthma have between a 1 in 20 to 1 in 100 chance to having a sulfite reaction.