Evaluation of Dietary Exposure to Certain Preservative Food Additives: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate dietary exposure to some preservative food additives (benzoate, sorbate, nitrite, nitrate) in young adults and compare exposure levels with acceptable daily intake. 
 Material and Method: A total of 48 individuals were included in this study. To determine the intake levels of preservative food additives, a semi-quantitative processed food frequency questionnaire was used. Daily additive intakes were compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) set by the European Food Safety Authority to evaluate whether there was a risk of exceeding the ADI. 
 Results: Average daily intakes of benzoate, sorbate, nitrite, and nitrate were calculated as 0.13 ± 0.25 mg/kg, 0.86 ± 1.00 mg/kg, 0.02 ± 0.0.3 mg/kg and 0.007 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Increased energy intake from processed foods correlates with higher sorbate intake (r=0.538 p≤0.000). Sorbate intake exceeds ADI in 4.1% of individuals and nitrite intake in 8.3%. Dietary benzoate and nitrate intake were below the ADI in all participants.
 Conclusion: In this study, although the frequency of individuals exceeding the preservative additives intake was low, increasing the frequency and amount of consumption of ultra-processed foods increase the risk of exposure. To determine risks, each country needs more dietary additive exposure estimations.