The Role of Food Additives in Reproductive Endocrine Disruption: a Revised Perspective

Purpose of ReviewFood additives are substances that are intentionally added to food in minor quantities to increase its shelf life, to maintain its color, texture, and taste. Artificial colors, preservatives, antioxidants, acidity regulators, thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, and artificial flavors lead to toxicity to many organs which also include reproductive organs. The major disorder seen in the reproduction and reproductive organs is infertility which results in being unable to become pregnant after sexual intercourse.Recent findingsVarious factors affecting fertility rate in both males and females are low sperm count, varicocele, polycystic ovary syndrome, hormonal imbalance, irregular menstrual cycle and other lifestyle factors.SummaryThis study states a review of the potential fertility impairment of most commonly used food additives, soy lecithin, BHA, titanium dioxide, aspartame, tartrazine, glycerine, indigo carmine, acesulfame potassium, azorubine, and allura red. Multiple animal experimental studies on food additives suggests that these additives have detrimental impact on reproductive health.