Sometimes additives have unexpected side effects.

I thought this study was particularly interesting:

Rats dosed with the dye — known as brilliant blue G — after injury showed greater improvement in motor skills than rats not receiving the dye. And assuming the food colorant’s low toxicity holds true for brilliant blue, the research suggests a new approach for treating spinal cord trauma in humans, injuries for which there are few therapies.

What's in a name, you say? When it comes to food additives — plenty!

In recent years a growing number of my friends and family have been discovering they have sensitivities to food and food additives. Reactions range from "I think this cordial makes my child hyper" through to "I need to carry an EpiPenA registered trademark for a commonly used adrenaline injection used to treat anaphylactic shock. because I may get an anaphylacticAn acute allergic reaction with rapid and severe onset that can lead to respiratory failure and life-threatening symptoms. response".