These Common Food Preservatives May Be Linked To Cancer, According To A New Study
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- A large 15-year study of over 100,000 people found associations between higher intake of certain food preservatives—such as potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite, and sulfites—and a modestly increased risk of overall and specific cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
- Experts emphasize that the study shows correlation, not causation, and that the increased cancer risk may reflect diets high in ultra-processed foods rather than the preservatives themselves.
- Preservatives linked to higher cancer risk are commonly found in processed meats, refined cereals, baked goods, dried fruits, and some beverages; however, exact intake levels are difficult to determine due to variable labeling and additive use.
- Nutritionists recommend focusing on limiting ultra-processed foods, reading ingredient labels,
