By Jakob Demmitt, Student Pharmacist and Karen Kier, Pharmacist
ONU HealthWise team
The phrase “well-preserved” often refers to people or things that age gracefully. But when it comes to our food, can preservatives hurt our health? Let’s dive in.
Type 2 diabetes is a major health concern today. It happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. The pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin, and many people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. This early stage is called prediabetes, and it usually requires lab tests for diagnosis.
In the U.S., about 41 million people are living with type 2 diabetes, and another 11 million might not know they have it. Additionally, around 115.2 million Americans are estimated to have prediabetes.
Researchers are looking closely at how our diets, especially food preservatives, might contribute to this diabetes epidemic. A notable study published in *Nature* tracked over 108,000 adults in France for 14 years to examine the link between diet and diabetes. About 1% of participants developed type 2 diabetes during this time. The study revealed commonalities in the types of food additives consumed by those who developed the condition.
The researchers identified 13 preservatives associated with a higher diabetes risk. These include potassium sorbate, sodium nitrite, and citric acid. Many of these are found in processed foods like hot dogs, shredded cheese, and pastries.
Switching to fresh or minimally processed foods can make a big difference. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats that are not heavily processed are great options. Avoiding excessive preservatives could help improve your overall health.
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 suggest cutting down on processed foods and minimizing artificial additives in our diets. This change could reduce the risk of developing conditions like diabetes.
It’s essential to note that while the study showed an association between food additives and diabetes, it doesn’t prove a direct cause. Research on this topic is ongoing, and experts continue to seek the best ways to protect our health.
In summary, while food may be “well-preserved,” our health could take a hit. Choosing fresh, simple foods is a smart step toward a healthier life.
