A health study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that combinations of common food additives may gradually raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Researchers from Université Sorbonne Paris Nord and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research analyzed data from more than 108,000 French adults in the NutriNet-Santé study, a long-running project examining how diet affects health. The findings indicate that mixes of additives—more common in today’s diets—could carry greater potential health risks than single additives alone.
Unlike studies focusing on a single additive, this work examines how additive mixtures interact in real-world eating patterns. Lead researcher Mathilde Touvier notes that ordinary diets frequently include these mixtures through processed and ultra-processed foods. In particular, Mixture 2 (emulsifiers and thickening agents common in plant-based milks and processed meats) and Mixture 5 (ingredients often found in sugary and artificially sweetened drinks) showed associations with higher diabetes risk.
Because the study is observational, it cannot prove causality. However, researchers say these additive combinations may act as markers of ultraprocessed foods, which tend to be energy-dense and nutritionally limited. Dr. Tom Rifai of a major U.S. medical center emphasizes that while additives might not directly cause diabetes, they align with dietary patterns linked to increased risk.
The findings arrive amid growing attention to the health effects of food additives. In the United States, some additives have faced regulatory bans in California, with other states weighing similar measures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under pressure to reassess policies on additives designated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS), reflecting broader debates about food safety standards.
For Thai readers, the study underscores the relevance of dietary choices in everyday life. Thailand’s own emphasis on food safety and nutrition makes this research timely for consumers and policymakers alike. As ultra-processed foods become more common, public health messaging can stress label-reading, moderation, and a preference for wholesome, minimally processed options.
Experts advocate further research to determine whether these additive combinations have synergistic effects that could intensify health risks. Insights from future studies could shape policy directions and inform consumer decisions about reducing exposure to potentially harmful additive mixes.
Practical steps for individuals in Thailand remain clear: read product labels carefully, prioritize whole foods, and limit ultra-processed items. Staying informed will help families navigate evolving science and make healthier choices.