New research has found that eight common food preservatives are linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, and one of them is also linked to heart disease.

Food makers use preservatives for different reasons. Some stop bacteria and mold from growing in food. Others, called antioxidant preservatives, slow down a process called oxidation. Oxidation is what makes food turn brown, taste bad, or go rancid over time.

Scientists looked at 17 preservatives that people eat most often. Out of those, eight stood out as linked to higher blood pressure risk. They are potassium sorbate (E202), potassium metabisulphite (E224), sodium nitrite (E250), ascorbic acid (E300), sodium ascorbate (E301), sodium erythorbate (E316), citric acid (E330), and rosemary extract (E392). One of these, ascorbic acid (E300), was also linked to heart disease on its own.

It is important to know what this study can and cannot tell us. It was observational, which means researchers watched patterns in real people over time. This kind of study can show that two things happen together, but it cannot prove that one causes the other.

Dr. Touvier, who worked on the study, said the research has limits because of its design. But he noted the data was very detailed and researchers adjusted for other things that affect heart health. He said past lab studies have shown preservatives may cause stress on cells in the body, called oxidative stress, or may affect how the pancreas works. The pancreas helps control blood sugar and metabolism.

Dr. Touvier said food safety groups like the EFSA in Europe and the FDA in the United States should take a fresh look at these additives. He also said people should try to eat foods that are not processed, or only lightly processed, and skip additives that are not needed. He said doctors have a role in helping explain this to patients.

Researchers are now studying how these preservatives and ultra-processed foods affect the body. This includes looking at inflammation, oxidative stress, and the gut microbiota, which is the large community of bacteria living in your digestive system. These microbes may play a part in metabolism, immune health, and heart health.

What this means for you

You do not need a science degree to make sense of this. Here is what to keep in mind.

1. This study shows a link, not proof, that these preservatives cause disease.
2. The eight preservatives named above are worth knowing if you read food labels.
3. Eating more whole or lightly processed foods may lower your exposure to unneeded additives.
4. If you have concerns about blood pressure or heart health, talk to your doctor.

This site exists to explain stories like this in plain words, so you do not need a dictionary to understand your own health news. As a next step, check the ingredient list on a few packaged foods in your kitchen and see if any of these eight preservatives show up.