Sodium Sulfite what you need to know!

Sodium Sulfite also known as Sodium Bi-sulfite and sodium hydrogen sulfite might have negative health effects  for some people. At this point it is regarded as generally safe by the FDA. There have been several studies done and they show that generally even in high doses it does not cause cancer and has tested negative for being mutagenic so what's the fuss?

Well there is a definite catch for certain people and this is medically acknowledged sensitivity and allergy to sulfite based chemicals. Some of these side effects if sulfites are ingested by sensitive or allergic individuals are dermatological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms, including nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and the swelling, itching and reddening of the skin. Ouch!

Sulfite sensitivity includes less that 1% of the population and reactions usually occur within 15-30 minutes so if you experience these symptoms take a look at what you have eaten and if it includes sulfites. 

Foods that tend to include sulfites are almost every bottle of wine you can get your hands on, dehydrated fruits and vegetables primarily potatoes and apples. It is also used to lock in the aroma and juices such and lemon and lime and is heavily used to can fruits being used as a preservative and to prevent browning (oxidization).

There are studies out there that are also linking asthma to sulfites but it is to early to tell and there just is not enough research at this point. It should be known there is a definitive link to triggering asthmatic attacks in certain sensitive asthmatics. So the jury is out do sulfites cause asthma? Are asthmatics simply more prone to sensitivity? There are a few claims regarding cancer as well. 

Until more research is concluded it's advisable to avoid it in large quantities certainly if you have sensitivity or allergic symptoms and use extra caution if you are an asthma sufferer. Don't forget that glass of wine while it might contain Sulfites also packs a punch full of macro-nutrients that can help stave off certain cancers.