Cancer Risk May Rise Due to These Preservatives, New Study Suggests

Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN

Highlights

• Food preservatives can be natural or synthetic and can extend the shelf life of food.

• Some common preservatives have been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

• Focusing on whole foods whenever possible may reduce the risk of cancer.

While the risk of dying from cancer is decreasing, cancer rates continue to riseMore than 2 million new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2026. Many factors, including genetics, can increase your risk of cancer. And while genetics are out of your control, there are a few. Lifestyle areas linked to cancer risk You can play a role in change, including smoking, drinking alcohol, physical activity and diet.

When it comes to nutrition, there is no miracle food against cancer. It is important to consider your entire diet. We know there is a connection between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and cancer (as well as cardiometabolic diseases) heart disease and diabetes).

The reasons for this link may be diverse, but French researchers are focusing on preservatives and their effects. relationship with cancer riskbecause they tend to be common in ultra-processed foods. They published their findings in the journal BMJ. Let’s break down what they found.

How Was This Study Conducted?

Researchers collected data from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort between 2009 and 2023; This study was designed to investigate the relationships between nutrition and health. There were more than 105,000 participants, almost 80% of whom were women, and the average age at baseline was 42 years old.

At enrollment and every six months, participants completed a series of three validated web-based 24-hour dietary records. In each period, dietary records were randomly assigned to three non-consecutive days (two weekdays and one weekend day) over two weeks. Doing nonconsecutive days and including a weekend day helps provide a more accurate picture of a person’s overall diet.

Researchers took information from participants’ dietary records and analyzed their intake of nutrients, including vitamins C and E, which can be used as preservatives in some foods. Using brand-specific data, the researchers also isolated food additives, focusing specifically on preservatives. They then measured participants’ intake of both naturally occurring preservatives (including acetic and citric acids, nitrites, nitrates, and sulfites) and added preservatives. A total of 58 guardians were investigated.

Participants reported any health-related events during the study period, including cancer diagnoses, in biennial health surveys or through affiliated health portals at any time. To ensure the accuracy of participants’ reports, an expert committee of physicians verified each reported cancer event against official medical records. Additionally, the NutriNet-Santé group was connected to the national health insurance system database to collect additional information about medical treatments and consultations.

The group also linked to the French national death registry to identify deaths and causes of death. For this study, new cancer included all primary cancers diagnosed between study enrollment and December 31, 2023; The only cancer not included was basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

What Did This Study Find?

The average follow-up of participants was almost eight years. This study found multiple associations between preservatives commonly used in industrial foods and beverages in both the U.S. and European markets and higher incidences of breast and prostate cancer overall. Specifically, these preservatives were linked to a higher risk of cancer:

Most associations were observed for non-antioxidant preservatives. Among antioxidant protectants, only total erythorbates and specific sodium erythorbate were found to be associated with a higher incidence of cancer. It is important to note that because this study is observational, it can only establish associations or relationships and this does not imply causation. More research is needed to confirm these findings. Limitations of this study include that it included participants’ self-report of food intake, which may introduce bias. Researchers also note that some of the naturally occurring preservatives in some foods are difficult to predict.

How Does This Apply to Real Life?

The preservatives analyzed in this study are currently categorized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration. This means that, to date, the FDA does not have enough evidence to ban them. However, this may change as in the case of paint. Red No.3 And brominated vegetable oil. Unfortunately, it can take years of research and evidence before an additive is finally banned, and they can affect your health in the meantime.

Preservatives are often found in foods such as alcoholic beverages, processed meats, refined grains, processed fruits and vegetables, and breakfast cereals. Anything that is shelf stable will likely contain preservatives.

If you’re trying to reduce your risk of cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends being physically active, limiting sedentary time, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight to help reduce cancer risk. They recommend eating more plants, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, and eating less. sugar-sweetened drinkshighly processed foods and refined grains; This also means aiming for less added sugar overall. They also recommend reducing consumption of processed and red meat and avoiding alcohol.

There always seems to be a caveat to any suggestions though. For example, with higher product intake higher herbicide consumption and pesticides that may also increase the risk of cancer. But this is not a reason to avoid fruits and vegetables. Instead, you can buy organic produce, especially fruits and vegetables from the market. Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen List. If purchasing organic isn’t cost-effective, that’s okay; Wash your products thoroughly remove the skin before cooking or eating, and after washing if you’re still worried.

Although there is no single diet against cancer, Mediterranean diet style nutrition It covers all the bases recommended by the American Cancer Society. If you are new to this diet and want to try it, 5-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Beginners. For those later in your journey, try this: 30-Day Sugar-Free Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan.

Our Expert Opinion

This study linked several commonly used preservatives to a higher risk of cancer. To reduce your risk, choose mostly whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and lean proteins. Mediterranean diet It keeps you safe and has also been linked to a reduced risk of other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up processed foods completely. If you’re concerned, read the label carefully and see if the product contains preservatives linked to cancer. Other lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of cancer include avoiding smoking and alcohol and engaging in regular physical activity.

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