Controlled trial of cumulative behavioural effects of a common bread preservative

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Food Additive Toxicology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence and limited scientific reports suggest cumulative behavioral effects of bread preservatives in children.
• The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital diet, excluding common food additives, has shown significant behavioral improvements in some children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral effects of calcium propionate, a common bread preservative, in children.
• To determine if calcium propionate causes adverse behavioral changes in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-seven children with previously improved behavior on a restricted diet participated.
• A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial challenged children with calcium propionate (preservative code 282) or placebo via daily bread.
• Behavioral changes were assessed using the Rowe Behavior Rating Inventory.

Main Results:

• While overall ANOVA did not show significant differences due to placebo responders, a statistically significant increase in behavioral worsening was observed during calcium propionate challenge (52%) compared to placebo (19%).
• Confidence intervals indicated a 14-60% likelihood of behavioral worsening with calcium propionate exposure.
• Individual behavioral changes, including irritability, restlessness, inattention, and sleep disturbance, were noted.

Conclusions:

• Calcium propionate, a common bread preservative, may induce adverse behavioral symptoms like irritability and sleep disturbances in susceptible children.
• Reducing concentrations of this preservative in processed foods could mitigate negative reactions.
• Behavioral toxicity testing should be integrated into the safety evaluation of all food additives.