UPF (Ultra Processed Food) and Food Additives - first thoughts

 OK, I'm researching food and diet a lot right now, particularly UPF (ultra processed food). 

Robert Lustig lists three things removed from or insufficient in UPF:

1. fibre
2. omega-3 fatty acids
3. micronutrients (vitamins and minerals)

And too much of these five things:

1. trans-fats [UK: not banned, no labelling requirements, "voluntary reduction" by food companies]
2. branch-chained amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine)
3. omega-6 fatty acids
4. alcohol [in UPF, really?]
5. SUGAR

See Robert's TED talk: Sugar -- the elephant in the kitchen: Robert Lustig at TEDxBermuda 2013

Lustig doesn't have additives in his list but potentially dangerous additives are certain emulsifiers and preservatives, which can cause damage to the gut microbiome:

Emulsifiers:

• E433 Polysorbate 80, or P80 (Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate)
• E466 CMC (Carboxymethylcellulose) [also E468, E469?]

Link: Direct impact of commonly used dietary emulsifiers on human gut microbiota

Preservatives:

• potassium sorbate [yet, it's classified as GRAS:“generally regarded as safe,” by US, UN and EU]
• benzoic acid
• sodium nitrite

Link: Potassium sorbate inhibits growth of a common species in the human gut microbiome

Link: benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, and sodium nitrite ... these compounds reduced the diversity of gut bacteria. 

I've not found P80 or CMC in any of my store bought products, but Lidl's hummus contains potassium sorbate and their salami contains sodium nitrite. Maybe time to make my own hummus? Lidl's salsa has no preservatives but my home made salsa tastes better! And as Robert Lustig says, "Eat real food!"...