4) MSG - Best known as an additive in Chinese food, it goes by the names monosodium glutamate, maltodextrin, sodium caseinate, autolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast,hydrolyzed vegetable protein, citric acid and yeast extract, among some 40 names for it. MSG has been shown to damage nerve cells by stimulating them to the point of cellular death. It is a neurotoxin and is also said to induce obesity. It is found in canned foods, diet beverages, packaged sausages, instant soups, salad dressings and even some packaged vegetarian foods.  

MORE ADDITIVES

Although those are the top four, they are far from the most dangerous. Here are a few more additives you should watch out for when shopping.

1. Food dyes - Found in fruit juices, salad dressings, sodas and other foods. Some studies have linked dyes to reductions in IQ in children, while studies on animals claim the colorings cause cancer. Some dyes that are sold in the United States are banned in Europe. Blue #1 and Blue #2 are banned in Finland, Norway and France as possibly damaging chromosomes, while Red Dye #3 (also known as Red #40) was banned in 1990, but continues to be on the market in some locations because the ban allowed sales until supplies ran out. Yellow #6 and Yellow Tartrazine, found in American cheese, macaroni and cheese, and many beverages, has been linked to kidney problems and chromosomal damage.

2. Sodium Sulfite - A preservative that is used in processed foods and winemaking, it can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to sulfites. Many of those who have a problem with sulfites are asthmatic, which may suggest a link. In some severe cases, sulfites can cause death by closing the airway of the allergy sufferer.