Question 1

do sulfites in food cause gastrointestinal distress?

Accepted Answer

They could: Sulfites are compounds that might occur naturally, or be added to enhance flavor or improve preservation.  About 1 in 100 people are sensitive to sulfites -- and these might experience GI distress after eating them.  The sensitivity can develop at any time.

Question 2

what is sulfites? if i'm allergic to sulfur does that mean i'm allergic to sulfites

Accepted Answer

No: Sulfa ( short for sulfonamide) is a common allergy to a class of drugs.  Sulfites are additives in wines and some foods.  Some people are allergic but these two allergies are not related.  Nobody is allergic to sulfur.  It is a common element in virtually every food we eat, all our amino acids and all the important chemicals in our body.  Sulfa, sulfites, sulfur... Sound the same but no relation

Question 3

i eat dried fruit each day. what do the sulfites do inside a person's body, and why do some people say sulfites are bad?

Accepted Answer

Ignorance, mostly...: Sulfites are added to dried fruits to keep them from turning brown; they occur naturally in some things, e.g. Wine & beer.  Contrary to popular perception, sulfiting agents are not teratogenic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic - but you can be allergic to them.  The fda puts them in the category of "generally regarded as safe."  so if you're not allergic to them, eat your dried fruit and don't worry.

Question 4

what are sulfites/preservatives for wine?

Accepted Answer

Sulfites: Some red wines produce sulfites as a byproduct and can cause nasal congestion, flushing and headache. Interestingly, some red wines from the south of france do not have them and you can drink them without such side effects.

Question 5

can sulfites damage the heart?

Accepted Answer

In what way?: There are sulfites in wine which are not harmful. Of course too much of anything will kill you - that includes water and oxygen.

Question 6

can sulfites in liquor cause face swelling?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Many people are allergic to a variety of preservative agents, particularly sulfites and bisulfites, which are found in many forms of distilled spirits.  Facial swelling can be one of the symptoms, and more severe symptoms can occur with continued exposure.  I would avoid whatever liquor caused this, and stay away from many wines as well. An allergist would be your best advisor.

Question 7

do sulfites make your pee smell?

Accepted Answer

No: It would not be concentrated enough even if does get to your urine.

Question 8

what blood pressure meds contain sulfites?

Accepted Answer

I may be wrong: But i doubt anyone can answer this.

Question 9

can sulfites allergy cause asthma if you never had asthma before?

Accepted Answer

Sulfites...: ...Can trigger an attack in preexisting asthma; i don't think they can start asthma from scratch.

Question 10

i am allergic to sulfa drugs. how likely is it that i'm also allergic to the sulfites in red wine?

Accepted Answer

Sulfa not= sulfite: Sulfonamide drug allergies are not generally predictive of reactions to sulfites. Although they sound similar, the body sees these chemicals quite differently. Sulfa antibiotics easily stimulate the immune system to make specific responses, hence allergies, but most reactions to sulfites are due to it being broken down into sulfur dioxide gas inside the body.

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Doctor answers about:

Foods high in sulfites

A member asked:

Do sulfites in food cause gastrointestinal distress?

A member asked:

What is sulfites? if i'm allergic to sulfur does that mean i'm allergic to sulfites

A member asked:

I eat dried fruit each day. what do the sulfites do inside a person's body, and why do some people say sulfites are bad?

A member asked:

What are sulfites/preservatives for wine?

A member asked:

Can sulfites damage the heart?

A member asked:

Can sulfites in liquor cause face swelling?

A member asked:

Do sulfites make your pee smell?

A member asked:

What blood pressure meds contain sulfites?

A member asked:

Can sulfites allergy cause asthma if you never had asthma before?

A member asked:

I am allergic to sulfa drugs. how likely is it that i'm also allergic to the sulfites in red wine?

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