The Not-so-Natural Truth Behind Natural Flavors

In a world where food labels can feel like a foreign language, one term often appears with little explanation: 'natural flavors.' This term may sound innocent, but understanding what it really means is crucial for anyone serious about their health. Let's dive into what natural flavors are, the potential risks they pose, and how they impact your body.

What Are Natural Flavors?

'Natural flavors' is an umbrella term used on the food industry to classify substances added to food to enhance flavor. They can come from various sources, including fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and even animal products. According to the FDA, a natural flavor is derived from a plant or animal source and is intended to enhance or modify the flavor of a food product [1].

This seems harmless until you dig deeper and learn that the FDA allows 150 incidental additives to be added to a natural flavor. This can include solvents, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, and preservatives. In fact, some natural flavors, classified as safe, are made up of more than 90% other substances to enhance the base flavor being created. 

Food manufacturers often keep the exact composition of natural flavors a secret, meaning you might consume a cocktail of compounds without even knowing it [2].

The Risks of Natural Flavors

1. Unknown Ingredients

One of the most significant risks of natural flavors is the lack of transparency. While they are derived from natural sources, the process of extracting and concentrating these flavors can introduce a variety of undisclosed chemicals (up to 90%).  While the FDA requires that these additives are GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), that doesn’t mean that they’re optimal for health.

At Fix Functional, all R&D and product development is done in-house and each ingredient supplier is carefully-selected. This means that we know exactly what is going into our products. We have nothing to hide and use only named flavorings that are truly ‘natural’, like pure vanilla extract and organic lemon juice. These ingredients cost more but, we believe that product quality and safety is top priority. We want to create products that you can feel good about eating on a daily basis.

2. Impacts on the Brain

In most cases, 'natural' flavorings have been engineered in a lab by highly-trained chemists and flavorists to be excitatory in the brain. In other words, they’re engineered to light up the brain’s dopamine circuits, which can cause us to want to eat more. Over time, our palates and brains become attuned to these hyper-palatable foods, which can contribute to over-eating. We also become de-sensitized to the truly ‘natural’ flavors found in nature. Ever taken a break from candy only to find that an apple tastes super sweet?

At Fix Functional, we think it’s important to attune our palates to the more subtle flavors found in truly natural ingredients. Our products taste more natural by design and provide more satiety for this reason (ie. you actually feel full after eating them!).

3. Potential Allergens

Natural flavors can trigger allergic reactions, especially for those sensitive to specific ingredients. In one study, patients with food allergies reported reactions to natural flavors that were not previously disclosed [3]. The lack of transparency around the exact sources of these flavors can make it challenging for individuals with allergies to navigate their dietary choices safely.

4. Impact on Gut Health

Research shows that artificial and even some 'natural' flavors can affect gut health. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, and disturbances in this delicate ecosystem can lead to issues like inflammation and digestive disorders. A study in Nature found that certain flavor compounds can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to adverse health outcomes [4].

6. Hidden Sugars and Calories

Many foods containing natural flavors also come with added sugars or unhealthy fats, making them calorically dense but nutritionally poor. A study in Nutrition Journal pointed out that individuals consuming high amounts of processed foods, often flavored with natural ingredients, were at a greater risk of obesity and related diseases [5].

How Natural Flavors Impact Your Body

The impact of natural flavors on your body can vary based on your overall diet and health. Here’s a closer look:

1. Metabolism

Natural flavors can contribute to metabolic dysregulation, especially when found in sugary or processed foods. Flavors mask the taste of added sugars, leading consumers to indulge without realizing it. This can result in weight gain and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes [6].

2. Hormonal Balance

Some flavor compounds can interfere with hormone regulation. Research published in Endocrinology suggests that certain additives can disrupt endocrine function, affecting everything from stress levels to reproductive health [7].

3. Immune Response

The body's immune system can react to the compounds found in natural flavors. If you're regularly consuming products with undisclosed natural flavors, you may inadvertently be setting your immune system on high alert, which could contribute to chronic inflammation [8].

Making Informed Choices

Understanding the complexities of natural flavors is vital for making informed dietary choices. Here are some tips:

  • Read Labels: When shopping, be diligent. If “natural flavors” appears on a label, consider it a red flag.
  • Opt for Mostly Whole Foods: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods in your diet, as they are less likely to contain added flavors or sugars.
  • Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to contact food manufacturers for clarity on their flavoring processes.
  • Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. The more you know about what you consume, the better choices you can make.

Conclusion

Natural flavors might seem harmless, but they come with risks that can impact your health and well-being. By educating yourself on what these flavors are and how they affect your body, you can take control of your dietary choices and prioritize your health.

Citations

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide."
  2. Schmidt, J. et al. (2017). "Natural flavorings and their chemical composition." Food Chemistry.
  3. Wang, J. et al. (2018). "Food allergies and their relationship with food labeling." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
  4. Wu, H. et al. (2019). "Gut microbiome and its impact on metabolic health." Nature.
  5. Vandenberghe, J. et al. (2014). "The relationship between processed food consumption and obesity." Nutrition Journal.
  6. Chou, S.H. et al. (2020). "Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and metabolic syndrome." Diabetes Care.
  7. Tiwari, A. et al. (2018). "Chemical exposure and endocrine disruption." Endocrinology.
  8. Yang, X. et al. (2019). "Inflammation and the immune system in metabolic syndrome." Journal of Immunology.