Food additives are quite widely used in different countries worldwide. They include emulsifiers, antioxidants, dyes, and corrective substances. In Ukraine, about 500 substances are allowed to be use in the food industry; they are labelled with the letter "E" and the corresponding number and even are approved by the European Community. Food additives are divided into additives of natural origin and chemically synthesized. For safe use, each substance must undergo experimental or clinical studies and have an evidence base for the absence of carcinogenicity, acute and chronic toxicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity and gonadotropic properties. To date, not all food additives or their compounds have been studied sufficiently in relation to their impact on the human body. According to the analysis of modern foreign and domestic sources, those substances used in the wide field of food technologies and not having clear indicators on permissible dosage were selected: monosodium glutamate, ponso-4R and sodium nitrite. Data on the effects of long-term consumption of monosodium glutamate, which has a toxic effect on salivary glands, dental tissues, liver, pancreas, colon, female and male reproductive systems, were analyzed. A separate analysis of studies on the combined effect of monosodium glutamate, ponso-4R and sodium nitrite on the liver and organs of the oral cavity was carried out. The results of the study indicate the occurrence of fatty and hydropic dystrophy of hepatocytes, the appearance of "dark hepatocytes" and an increase in the relative amount of the stromal component. Changes are also seen in the salivary and protein mucous glands of the oral cavity. Thus, having analyzed the experimental studies of modern scientists, we have found out that not all food additives allowed to be used in Ukraine are completely safe. Both individual substances and their combinations lead to significant morphological changes in various organs and systems. The impact of dietary supplements on the female and male reproductive systems is remaining one of the least studied areas. Therefore, there is a need for further research in order to minimize disorders of the functions of the reproductive system and infertility.
