Summer Sips: Ingredients to Watch Out for in Your Favourite Drinks

As the temperature rises, it's natural to reach for a refreshing drink to cool down and stay hydrated. However, some popular summer beverages may contain ingredients that could pose health risks for both adults and children. Let us take a look at the ingredients you should avoid and how to choose healthier options for the whole family.

Ingredients to avoid that are commonly found in drinks

Caramel Colour IV (Colour 150d):

This colouring agent contains a compound called 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI), which has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). High exposure to 4-MEI has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in mice.

Aspartame (E951):

While regulatory agencies consider this artificial sweetener safe, some studies have raised concerns about potential health risks, including neurological effects, metabolic issues, and cancer concerns. Aspartame has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B).

Sodium Benzoate (E211):

This common food preservative has been linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and the formation of benzene, a known carcinogen, when combined with vitamin C.

Artificial Food Colours:

Artificial colours, such as E102 (tartrazine), E104 (quinoline yellow), E110 (sunset yellow FCF), E122 (carmoisine), E124 (ponceau 4R), and E129 (allura red), have been associated with hyperactivity in children and other adverse reactions like asthma, rashes, and headaches.

What the research says

1. A meta-analysis conducted by Miller et al. revealed that 64% of analysed studies indicate the presence of neurobehavioral changes in children exposed to food dyes, with 52% highlighting statistically significant effects.
2. According to Rambler et al., one-third (33%) of children diagnosed with ADHD could potentially benefit from dietary interventions that exclude synthetic dyes.
3. A study by Sambu et al. highlights the teratogenic effect of Tartrazine, a common food colouring, during the critical period of fetal development in rats, resulting in various symptoms and skeletal malformations.

Choosing Healthier Drinks for Everyone:

When selecting summer drinks for yourself and your family, opt for those with fewer additives and artificial ingredients. Look for beverages that use natural sweeteners like monk fruit instead of aspartame or just plain sugar. Choose drinks that use natural flavours and ingredients you can easily understand. Take the less is more approach.

Encourage your family to drink water, coconut water, or homemade fruit infused water to stay hydrated without the added sugars and artificial ingredients found in many commercial drinks. You can also make smoothies with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Better Drink Options 

If you are after a summery treat drink, options to enjoy on a hot day or to take to BBQ, I have tracked down some great options for you that are free from concerning additives.

By being mindful of the ingredients in your summer drinks and making informed choices, you can protect your family's health and well-being while still enjoying refreshing and delicious beverages. Share this information with friends and family to spread awareness and help others make healthier drink choices this summer.

References:

1. Smith, T. J., et al. (2015). Caramel Color in Soft Drinks and Exposure to 4-Methylimidazole: A Quantitative Risk Assessment. PloS one, 10(2), e0118138.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118138
2. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). 4-Methylimidazole. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, 101, 349-368.https://publications.iarc.fr/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Some-Chemicals-Present-In-Industrial-And-Consumer-Products-Food-And-Drinking-water-2012
3. Soffritti, M., et al. (2006). First Experimental Demonstration of the Multipotential Carcinogenic Effects of Aspartame Administered in the Feed to Sprague-Dawley Rats. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(3), 379-385.https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.8711