TOXIC EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC FOOD ADDITIVES E621, E250, AND E124 ON THE ORGANISM: CURRENT STATE OF THE PROBLEM

  2. 2026
  3. TOXIC EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC FOOD ADDITIVES E621, E250, AND E124 ON THE ORGANISM: CURRENT STATE OF THE PROBLEM

Bieliaiev I. S.

TOXIC EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC FOOD ADDITIVES E621, E250, AND E124 ON THE ORGANISM: CURRENT STATE OF THE PROBLEM

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About the author:

Bieliaiev I. S.

Heading:

LITERATURE REVIEWS

Type of article:

Scientific article

Annotation:

The modern food industry is characterized by the widespread use of synthetic food additives applied to improve taste, color, texture, and shelf life of food products. Despite their technological and economic advantages, numerous experimental and clinical studies indicate potential health risks associated with their consumption. Particular concern is related to prolonged and combined exposure to food additives, since the mechanisms of their combined toxic effects remain insufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze current scientific data regarding the toxic effects of monosodium glutamate (E621), sodium nitrite (E250), and the synthetic dye Ponceau 4R (E124) on the human body and experimental animals, as well as to substantiate the relevance of further investigations into their combined effects on salivary glands. The study summarizes findings from contemporary scientific publications devoted to the toxicity of synthetic food additives. It was established that monosodium glutamate may exert neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and reproductive effects, contribute to obesity, metabolic disorders, and oxidative stress. Sodium nitrite is characterized by pronounced oxidative properties and may cause methemoglobinemia, hypoxia, allergic reactions, and potentially increase the risk of oncological diseases. Evidence suggests that the synthetic dye Ponceau 4R can induce oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory reactions, altered gene expression, neurotoxic effects, and reproductive disturbances. Experimental studies also indicate a possible synergistic nature of the toxic action of combined food additives, particularly regarding morphological tissue alterations and cognitive dysfunction. The nervous system, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs were identified as the most vulnerable targets of synthetic food additives. At the same time, the combined effects of monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, and Ponceau 4R on the morphofunctional state of salivary glands remain insufficiently studied. The obtained data confirm the necessity for further experimental and clinical investigations aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of toxic action of synthetic food additives and their combined effects on the organism.

Tags:

monosodium glutamate, Ponceau 4R, sodium nitrite, synthetic food additives, toxicity

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 2, 181, 12-16 pages, index UDC 613.29:616-099

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-2-181-12-16

2026 Issue 2, 181
monosodium glutamate Ponceau 4R sodium nitrite synthetic food additives toxicity
27.05.2026
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