How do preservatives that exceed the threshold harm health?

Food Supplements and Preservatives: Essential Warnings Consumers Should Not Ignore

Preservatives are chemical substances capable of inhibiting or destroying bacteria and mold, preventing them from developing during storage. However, when used beyond permitted limits, these substances can harm the liver, kidneys, stomach, and nervous system.

Hà Dung, a well-known wedding MC in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I often choose certain supplements to improve my health and skin. Recently, I was shocked to learn that one of the products I’ve been using contains preservatives that may negatively affect health. The warnings from experts have made me much more cautious, even though choosing the right product is not simple.”

Why Do Food Supplements Need Preservatives?

According to food technology experts, the durability and stability of supplements depend on multiple factors:

• The quality of raw materials

• Processing technology

• Packaging standards

• Production environment

• Preservatives or antioxidants used

Among these, preservatives are the most common solution to prevent microbial contamination, limit oxidation, maintain color–flavor–stability, and extend shelf life. Nonetheless, all substances must:

• Be listed in the approved regulatory categories

• Be used within safe allowable limits

Health Risks From Excessive Use of Preservatives

Not all manufacturers strictly comply with regulations. Some, for profit, may:

• Use unapproved or banned substances

• Exceed permitted dosage

• Apply preservatives indiscriminately

This can pose serious health risks.

Common adverse effects include:

• Liver and kidney damage: e.g., benzoic acid combines with glycocol to form hippuric acid, which is difficult to eliminate.

• Stomach irritation and nervous system effects

• Loss of nutritional value: Strong oxidizing agents can destroy vitamin C, vitamin E, and oxidize unsaturated fatty acids, creating harmful peroxides.

• Masking spoilage, making it difficult for consumers to recognize deteriorated products.

Dry vs. Liquid Food Supplements – What’s the Difference?

1. Dry products (capsules, powders, tablets)

• More stable, mainly degraded by oxidation.

• Even when labeled “preservative-free,” they often contain antioxidants.

• When produced under strict hygiene and packaged properly, they can last several months without strong preservatives.

2. Liquid supplements

• More perishable; shelf life is shorter.

• When preservative-free, shelf life typically ranges 6–9 months.

• Requirements for safety:

  • Ingredients must be boiled thoroughly

  • Bottling must be done while hot to achieve natural heat-based sterilization

• If packaged when cooled, products spoil faster and may become sour.

How Can Consumers Identify Safe Products?

It is difficult to visually determine whether a supplement contains preservatives. Experts recommend:

1. Examine the packaging

• Crude packaging, manually attached lids

• Poor-quality materials

• Unusually long shelf life

→ These may indicate high levels of preservatives.

2. Check manufacturing and expiry dates

• Prefer products with information printed directly on the packaging using “dead ink” (non-erasable).

• Avoid unclear, easily removable labels.

3. Verify the barcode

• A valid barcode reflects brand accountability, traceability, and transparency.

• Helps confirm product origin.

4. Choose reputable brands

• With clear ingredient declarations

• Proper certifications

• Reasonable shelf life—not excessively long

5. Follow global consumer trends

• Prioritize preservative-free or short-shelf-life supplements for better safety.

Conclusion

Preservatives, when used correctly, can be safe. However, overuse or the use of banned substances poses significant health risks. Consumers should stay informed, choose trustworthy brands, check packaging, barcodes, and shelf life, and avoid products with suspiciously long expiration periods.