Food additives‚ one of the primary methods of preservation‚ are used to improve shelf-life and prevent spoilage through the inhibition of bacteria․ Some of the additives are shown to have potential negative effects on humans‚ by disrupting metabolism and its regulating hormones (one example is leptin‚ which regulates energy balance and limiting food intake) ․

This study was designed to look at the suspected association between food additives and its effect on the leptin level in a group of Iraqi subjects․ A structured questionnaire was used and data were collected from 750 Iraqi volunteers aged 18 years and older from different regions in Iraq․

This questionnaire gathered data about dietary habits evaluation, food additives awareness and perceptions regarding hormonal swings. Results showed 525 of participants (70%) agreed that those supplements can affect hormone levels. Moreover, sodium benzoate was the most perceived affecter followed by potassium-based chemicals. In addition, there was a slight variation regarding restaurant and home food consumption patterns. In general, the findings obtained are based on perception rather than direct biochemical measurement, accordingly no connection can be established. This study highlights the gap between public awareness and scientific evidence and emphasize the need for further clinical research.