When you’re pregnant, the choices you make about what you eat can have a big impact on your baby’s health. And now, a new study suggests that a common food additive found in many ultra-processed foods could increase the risk of health problems in children.

The study, conducted in Spain, looked at two additives called carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80. These additives are often used to bind food chemicals and can be found in a wide range of products, including microwave meals, butter, dressings, and even ice cream.

The researchers gave pregnant and nursing mice water containing these emulsifiers, at a level that is permitted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They found that the offspring of these mice developed mild physical and mental health issues, such as unintended weight loss and increased anxiety.

One of the reasons for these effects is that the emulsifiers disrupt neural connections in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This part of the brain is responsible for regulating the body’s functions, including controlling appetite and weight. When the neural connections in the hypothalamus are disturbed, it can lead to unintended weight loss and increased anxiety.

While the health effects observed in the study were relatively mild, it adds to a growing body of research suggesting that ultra-processed foods can have a negative impact on our health. These types of foods are filled with many hard-to-pronounce ingredients, high levels of sugar, fat, and sodium.

In fact, ultra-processed foods have become increasingly common in the American diet. A study estimated that 73 percent of the food supply in the United States is ultra-processed, and more than 60 percent of our caloric intake comes from these foods.

And it’s not just mice that are affected by ultra-processed foods. Studies have found that the consumption of these foods is associated with a higher risk of dementia, breast cancer, and even early death.

While more research is needed to understand how exactly these findings translate to humans, it’s clear that reducing our consumption of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy is a wise choice. Opting for minimally processed foods, like fruits and vegetables, can provide us with the essential nutrients we need without the harmful additives.

So, if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s a good idea to pay attention to what you’re eating. Choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible, and limit your intake of ultra-processed foods.