There are thousands of different synthetic and nature-identical (artificially produced) flavours that are added to our food to improve flavour and aroma. They do not have an E number, and are not individually listed on the packaging; the label may simply say flavouring. This makes it impossible to know what they are, but if it does not say NATURAL FLAVOURING then we know that it is synthetic. Synthetic flavourings are a big money industry, cloaked in secrecy. As you can imagine, with so many flavours in existence, and manufacturers being highly secretive about what they are and how they are made, it is difficult to know how safe these chemical additives are. If packaging contains for example, cheese flavour or strawberry flavour then you know that the food does not contain any genuine cheese or strawberry, just a synthetic flavour which will convey no nutritional benefit, and may cause side-effects. Try to avoid them where possible, and choose foods containing real ingredients, which will convey more nutritional benefit, and cause no harm.

Flavour enhancers are added to savory foods to boost the taste sensation, and you will find them in all manner of ready-made savory foods, particularly snacks, crisps, and some processed meats. There are 19 E-numbered flavour enhancers, 6 of which are commonly linked with reactions such as headaches, depression and hyperactivity in certain people, and are likely to come from a genetically modified (GM) source. Of these 19, the most infamous is E621 known as Monosodium Glutamate or MSG. You will find this turning up everywhere in ready-made foods and snacks. MSG is banned from babies foods, but common in childrens foods. It is linked to temper tantrums and hyperactivity along with many other health concerns and has recently been overwhelmingly linked with obesity. MSG occurs naturally in certain foods, but the additive is synthetically produced. It is documented as affecting the brain and nervous system, respiratory system and circulatory system; although much of this information is anecdotal and loudly refuted by the food industry (no surprise there).

Research at the University of Liverpool showed that when used in conjunction with a specific food colouring (Brilliant Blue), the additives stopped nerve cells from growing normally and interfered with proper signaling systems at a level four times greater than when it was tested on its own. It therefore may be more damaging when it is combined with other additives. It is of great concern that it is added to children foods, as their brain connections and nervous system are not fully developed. Equally this is of concern to pregnant women, as the foetus has an immature nervous system. The elderly may also be at risk from food containing MSG due to the nature of the ageing brain.

The entire subject is complicated and confusingly documented, but a sensible approach is to avoid as much as possible foods containing MSG. Try to discover which foods that you regularly buy contain MSG and swap them for an alternative; for example, choose slightly salted potato crisps rather than flavoured ones. Be aware of slimming foods as these often contain MSG which boosts the flavour and satisfaction of low-fat food.

Even if you are unconvinced of the health risk of these additives, the bottom line is that food flavourings and flavour enhancers are added to make cheap processed, nutritionally barren food taste better. As an example, think of a popular potato snack sold in a tube (ok stop salivating). This snack is made with dehydrated potatoes, vegetable oil, starch, rice flour, maltodextrin (a bulking agent), emulsifier, dextrose, citric acid, malic acid, colour: paprika extract, acidity regulator: sodium diacetate, mustard seeds, celery and corn flour; doesnt sound so tasty when you put it that way. Something tells me that you wouldnt be reaching for another one without the salt and barbeque flavour; sugar, flavourings, spices, flavour enhancers: monosodium glutamate, disodium guanylate and disodium inosinate. What I am trying to say is, this stuff is not real food; the flavours and enhancers are a way of making fried dried potato and flour taste good.

If food contains flavours and flavour enhancers, it contains them for a very good reason; it will taste rubbish without them, because it is probably made of rubbish ingredients, many of which are probably unpronounceable. Do yourself a favour and reject this pretend food, try flavouring food with herbs and spices. Choose natural food rich in real flavor; olives, chilies, ripe fruit, home made bread, grilled fish, roasted chicken, fresh cheese There is a whole world of subtle and exciting flavours to try which can be found in real, nutritious food, and the closer your food comes to its natural state the more good, and less harm it will do you.

Vikki Scovell

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. She has recently been studying specific health problems and how to improve them through exercise and diet. Vikki lives in Bristol in the UK with her partner and two young children.