Hydrocolloid food additive intake in the Norwegian population: a dietary exposure assessment

Abstract Purpose Hydrocolloid food additives are abundant in foodstuffs and found across many food groups. Recent studies suggest that certain hydrocolloids may exert negative health effects, but quantitative data regarding their intake in the population remains scarce. The purpose of this study was to map the dietary intake and exposure prevalence of 15 hydrocolloid food additives in the Norwegian population, providing a foundation for research linking dietary intake to health outcomes. Method Data were obtained from Norkost 4, a nationwide, cross-sectional dietary survey utilizing two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls among 1964 Norwegian adults. The presence of 15 hydrocolloid additives in the food items consumed was identified through ingredient lists, and concentration data were derived from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Results Dietary exposure to hydrocolloids was widespread in the cohort but varied across individual hydrocolloids and food categories. Guar gum demonstrated the highest exposure prevalence (92%), whereas others, such as methyl cellulose, were rarely encountered. Demographically, the characteristics of high-tier consumers were highly additive-specific, indicating that no single, homogeneous profile of an “extreme additive consumer” exists. Furthermore, comparisons with international cohorts underscore how the choice of analytical framework and concentration data impacts estimation of exposure outcomes, making cross-country comparisons challenging. Conclusion This comprehensive assessment provides the first mapping of hydrocolloid intake, and the first individual-level exposure estimation of food additives in general, within the Norwegian population. Ultimately, as long as brand-specific, public concentration data remains restricted, the precise quantification of real-world hydrocolloid exposure will remain a profound methodological challenge.