Are the sulphites added to beer and wine bad for you?

Asked by: Dan, Stockport

Advertisement

Sulphites are sulphur compounds that occur naturally in the grapes and hops used to make wine and beer. They prevent the growth of the bacteria that make the drink go cloudy and literally turn the alcohol to vinegar. Most wines and beers have extra sulphites added and some people claim that this can cause headaches. But there is more sulphite in a dried apricot than there is in a glass of white wine.

Read more:

• Can wine get worse with age?
• How long could you survive on beer alone?

---

Advertisement

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.