Recently, a video by RFK Jr., the new U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, brought to light alarming additives present in many common foods and supplements in the U.S. The widespread use of these ingredients including tartrazine is linked to higher mortality rates and chronic diseases, highlighting the urgent need for greater transparency in the wellness industry.
This revelation underscores the necessity of scrutinizing product labels and making informed choices to protect our health. At Nourished, we stand committed to transparency and quality, ensuring that our personalized gummy stacks are free from harmful additives and crafted with only the best natural, science-backed ingredients. Here's why its important to avoid tartrazine and other nasties:
What Are These Hidden Nasties?
Tartrazine (Yellow Dye No. 5)
Tartrazine, also known as Yellow Dye No. 5, is a synthetic yellow dye commonly used to enhance the appearance of various foods, drinks, and supplements. Originally derived from coal tar, it is now manufactured from petroleum products. However, its purpose is purely aesthetic; it doesn't improve flavor, nutrition, or product quality. Instead, it is often used to make unhealthy, processed foods appear more appealing to consumers.
Concerns about tartrazine's safety have been widely documented. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated tartrazine and noted potential adverse effects, including allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [1]. As a result, tartrazine has been banned or restricted in many countries, including Norway and Austria, due to these risks [2]. In the European Union, products containing tartrazine must carry a warning label about its potential impact on children's behavior [3].
Chewable gummy vitamins and even some cough medicines may contain tartrazine in the U.S., making it essential for consumers to scrutinize ingredient labels. At Nourished, we refuse to use tartrazine or any artificial yellow coloring in our products. Instead, our yellow layers are naturally related to the ingredient encapsulated inside, such as our turmeric-based Curcuma longa & Black Pepper Extract layer (a vibrant, plant-based ingredient with its own health benefits, which you can read about here).
Sugars
Many gummies on the market are laced with sugars, which can detract from their intended health benefits. High sugar intake is associated with various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems.
At Nourished, we prioritize your health by avoiding added sugars in our gummies. Instead, we use natural sweeteners derived from fruits, providing a pleasant taste without compromising nutritional value.
We have published an in-depth blog post going over the negatives associated with processed sugar intake, which you can read here.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is a widely used preservative designed to extend the shelf life of foods and beverages by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. While effective and classified as being safe, if over-consumed, it has been linked to hyperactivity [4].
As stated in this study: “Sodium benzoate is considered safe for human health if it is consumed in amounts of less than 5 mg/kg of body weight per day.” This also highlights the importance of looking into ingredient dosages within products and making sure they are not exceeding your daily intake limit [5].
At Nourished, all of our dosages and ingredients can be found on our website here and on each piece of packaging. We also make our products fresh to order in our on-site factory, which are then shipped directly to your door. This approach not only maximizes freshness but also ensures that product efficacy doesn't deteriorate, providing you with the maximum amount of potential health benefits.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
BHA, or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, is a synthetic antioxidant commonly used as a preservative in processed foods, snacks, and even some supplements. Its purpose is to prevent oils and fats from becoming rancid, extending product shelf life.
However, BHA has been classified as "possibly carcinogenic" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), with studies indicating it may increase the risk of certain cancers [6]. Despite these concerns, BHA remains approved for use in the United States, although some countries, such as the UK and Japan, have restricted or banned its use [7].
At Nourished, we prioritize your health by refusing to use BHA in our products. We focus on natural, plant-based ingredients that do not compromise your well-being. With our gummy stacks, you can trust that every layer is free from potentially harmful preservatives like BHA.
Nourished’s Ingredient Philosophy
At Nourished, we believe that your health should never be compromised by unnecessary or harmful additives. That’s why we’ve built our products around a commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation. Our products contain:
- No Artificial Colors or Preservatives: We steer clear of synthetic additives that may pose health risks, ensuring our products are as clean as they are effective.
- No Synthetic Fillers: Every ingredient in our stacks serves a purpose—no unnecessary fillers, just targeted nutrition.
- High-Quality, Plant-Based Ingredients: Each layer in our stacks is crafted using scientifically backed, plant-based ingredients to deliver a variety of potential health benefits. All our stacks are also gelatin-free, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- No Sugar: Unlike many other gummies, our products contain no added sugars. Instead, we use natural sweeteners derived from fruits to provide a delicious yet healthy alternative.
On our website, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of every ingredient layer we use, along with its associated potential health benefits and links to scientific research that supports its effectiveness.
In an industry where shortcuts are often the norm, Nourished takes a different approach. We prioritize personalization, a no-nasties philosophy, and premium, high-quality ingredients that are designed to make a meaningful impact on your health.
When choosing supplements (or any food products) it’s vital to scrutinize the ingredients. At Nourished, we ensure our products are free from harmful additives like titanium dioxide, tartrazine, and synthetic fillers, giving you peace of mind with every bite.
Experience the Nourished difference today. Browse our range of personalized gummy stacks and discover how clean, effective nutrition can enhance your well-being.
References
1. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2009). ‘Assessment of the safety of tartrazine’, EFSA Journal, 7(11), pp. 1331-1344. Available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1331
2. Chef's Resource (n.d.). ‘What Food Dyes Are Banned in Other Countries?’. Available at: https://www.chefsresource.com/what-food-dyes-are-banned-in-other-countries/
3. Food Standards Agency (n.d.). ‘Food Additives: Colourings and Labelling Requirements’. Available at: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/food-additives
4. University of Southampton (2007). ‘Hyperactivity in children and food additives’. Available at: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2007/09/hyperactivity-in-children-and-food-additives.page
5. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9003278/#:~:text=The%20permissible%20limit%20of%20its,of%20body%20weight%20per%20day.
6. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (1986). ‘Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 40, 1986)’. Available at: https://inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol40/butylatedhydroxyanisole.html
7. Food Matters (2013). ‘8 Toxic Food Additives Allowed in The U.S. That Are BANNED in Other Countries’. Available at: https://www.foodmatters.com/article/8-additives-from-the-us-that-are-banned-in-other-countries
Ingredients in this blog:
