The term Sulfite is used to describe a chemical compound called sulfur dioxide (SO2). This compound is common and occurs naturally not only in grapes, but also in foods like coconuts and pork.
Today, additional amounts of sulfur dioxide (measured in parts-per-million or ppm) are commonly added to popular food items as both a preserving and antimicrobial agent.1 Foods that may contain added sulfites range from your favorite wine to the maple syrup on your waffles.
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Evidence of sulfite use in early winemaking has been found during excavations around ancient Rome. Indicating that the Romans discovered its fumigating and antioxidant properties by burning candles around their wine barrels.
Wine makers will commonly add extra sulfur dioxide to some wines at the beginning of fermentation in order to increase the longevity of the juice.
In short, sulfites are used as a preserving agent and have antioxidant, anti-browning and antimicrobial properties. All of this helps to prevent a wine from turning into vinegar.
The quantity of SO2 present in wine can vary widely. It often depends on the kind grape varietals being used and what qualities a wine maker is looking to achieve with their product. For example, some wines with high acidity may require less sulfur dioxide, as the acid already aids in preservation.
SULFITES AND HEADACHES? Sulfites in general have gotten a bad rap over the past few decades. In reality, they are not the cause of headaches as rumored to be from drinking red wine.
There has been no conclusive evidence that links headaches to drinking wine containing sulfites. In fact, wine makers often add more sulfutes to their white wines, as most whites don’t age as well as reds naturally.
Some individuals may be allergic to sulfites. These potential allergic reactions can manifest themselves in the form of wheezing, couching, hay fever or hives. While these reactions are relatively rare, individuals with underlying asthma symptoms should be wary of ingesting foods containing sulfur dioxide.
The FDA requires foods that contain a sulfite level of 10ppm or more to say so on the label.2 Few, if any significant allergic reactions have been observed on individuals after ingesting this amount. Foods that contain high sulfur dioxide levels (100ppm+) should be avoided by those with sulfur allergies.
If you have known food allergies, or find yourself overly sensitive to certain foods that contain preservatives (like many processed foods or packaged meats), you might do yourself a favor to limit your intake. The same goes for those who may be asthmatic.
At the end of the day, just listen to what your body is telling you. Don’t use a headache as an indicator to being overly sensitive to sulfur. The reality is you probably just had too much wine, too much cheese and didn’t drink enough water. The quantity of sulfites in most wine is relatively small and typically will not affect most wine drinkers.
If talking on a 5G phone have an effect on Sulfites? If you are drinking a glass of wine while talking on a 5G phone ?