Sulfites: a review with emphasis on biochemistry and clinical application

Despite the increasing amount of data that has accumulated on sulfites as the intensity of medical interest has expanded in recent years, there are lingering, difficult, and, in most cases, as yet unresolved questions about sulfite sensitivity. These include questions about mechanism of action, prevalence, the most effective methods for protecting sulfite-sensitive patients from exposure to sulfites, and other issues. Perhaps the most important question, however, is whether sulfite sensitivity represents but one example of reactions that have occurred, are occurring, or will occur from exposure to additives and chemicals in the environment.