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Old 06-27-2010, 02:58 PM
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Question confused about sulfites

I've always thought that sulfites were unhealthy and made in labs. Recently I've read some articles in magazines, and posts (i.e. <LINK REMOVED>). It seems that sulfites are natural.

I thought sulfites were in wine and other alcoholic drinks but I also read: "wine drinkers may ingest up to 10 mg. of sulfites a day, while people who eat in restaurants, and who enjoy foods like fresh salads, potatoes, shrimp, or avocado dip, typically ingest from 25 to 100 mg. of sulfites during one meal."

Is this true? I mean are there so many sulfites in food? even more than in wine?
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Old 06-27-2010, 03:40 PM
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I think naturally occurring sulfites as in wine aren't so bad because the amount is not that high. Here's some info that may help explain.

Quote:
June 4, 2010

The real risks of sulfites

Lots of folks get headaches from drinking wine, and some people believe that sulfites are to blame. That hasn�t been proved in scientific studies, but what is known is that foods and beverages containing sulfites can cause severe and even deadly reactions in some people.

Sulfites can trigger severe asthmatic symptoms in sufferers of sulfite-sensitive asthma. People deficient in sulfite oxidase, an enzyme needed to metabolize and detoxify sulfite, are also at risk. Without that enzyme, sulfites can be fatal. Because of the danger, labeling is required when sulfites are present in foods at levels at or above 10 parts per million (ppm) or whenever they�re used as a preservative.

Sulfites occur naturally in many foods and are a by-product of fermentation, so they�re in most wines. they�re also added as preservatives or antioxidants to wines, dried fruits, and other foods to increase shelf life, preserve color, and inhibit microbial growth.

If you suspect you might be sensitive to sulfites and want to avoid foods that contain them, look for wines with none added, such as organic wines. But be aware that if the label says "made with organic grapes,"the wine can contain up to 100 ppm of total sulfites.

When buying dried fruit, look for those labeled unsulphured. With processed foods such as baked goods, snacks, and jam, scan ingredient labels for sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite. Urvashi Rangan, Technical Policy Director, Consumers Union
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