What synergy means
Synergy happens when combined effects exceed what would be expected from each additive alone.
This matters because most safety testing evaluates additives one at a time.
In a synergistic scenario, 1 + 1 might equal 5 in terms of biological impact, rather than just 2.
Mechanisms of synergistic action
One chemical might inhibit the body’s ability to detoxify another, leading to higher internal levels of the second substance.
Two chemicals might target the same biological pathway from different angles, amplifying the final response.
These interactions are complex and difficult to predict without specific mixture testing.
Evidence from neurotoxicity models
Cell-based studies have observed stronger inhibition of neurite outgrowth when additives are combined.
These models help researchers test mixture effects in controlled settings.
While cell studies are preliminary, they provide a strong rationale for more detailed human health investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
We don’t yet know how common it is, as very few of the thousands of potential additive combinations have been tested for synergistic effects.
Sources
- Synergistic interactions between commonly used food additives in a developmental neurotoxicity test — Lau K, et al. Toxicological Sciences (2006).
Summaries are educational and may be updated as regulations change.