Scientists Warn of a Hidden Deadly Threat in Everyday Products

Scientists in France have discovered a link between popular food additives and an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, the Daily Mail reports.

“Researchers analyzed data from more than 100,000 participants with an average age of 42, 80 percent of whom were women. The scientists calculated how many preservatives the volunteers consumed using food diaries that they kept daily over a period of seven and a half years,” the publication says.

By the end of the follow-up period, around 4,000 participants had been diagnosed with various types of cancer, most commonly breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, according to RIA Novosti.

According to media reports, the additives identified as potentially dangerous included potassium sorbate, potassium disulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, acetic acid, and sodium erythorbate.

Sodium nitrite, which is commonly used in processed meat products, was associated with a 32% increase in the risk of prostate cancer. Sulfites and acetates were linked to a higher overall cancer risk and were also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

All of these additives are used in everyday products, such as processed meats, sauces, and even toothpaste, Daily Mail notes.

The scientists urged consumers to choose fresh and minimally processed foods to reduce potential health risks.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter