Which specific health condition makes sulfites a critical avoidance ingredient for certain individuals?
Answer
Asthma, as sulfites can trigger severe allergic-type reactions.
Sulfites are commonly employed as inhibitors to prevent bacterial growth and discoloration in products like wine, dried fruits, and certain processed potato items. While they serve important preservative functions, their risk profile is acutely defined for a specific demographic. For individuals diagnosed with asthma, the ingestion of sulfites poses a significant, immediate danger. Exposure can rapidly induce severe, allergic-type reactions that manifest acutely, potentially leading to significant respiratory distress, making sulfites an essential substance to avoid for this sensitive population group.

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