Claim: A study of 112,000 people found that eating foods containing common preservatives like sodium nitrite and potassium sorbate is linked to a 29 percent higher risk of high blood pressure and a 16 percent higher risk of heart attacks and strok

The claim is mostly true, supported by multiple reputable sources including the European Society of Cardiology and U.S. News. These sources report that a study involving over 112,000 participants found significant associations between the intake of certain preservatives and increased risks of hypertension and cardiovascular events. However, some sources dispute the direct link, suggesting that other factors like salt intake may also play a role in cardiovascular risks, which complicates the interpretation of the findings. The graders agree on direction, but vary in strength. Gemini comes in highest (100%), while OpenAI is lowest (85%). While the primary sources support the claim regarding preservatives, some opposing sources highlight that the study does not isolate preservatives from other dietary factors, such as salt intake, which is known to affect cardiovascular health. This raises questions about the direct causality implied by the claim. The evidence suggests a correlation, but the extent to which preservatives alone contribute to these health risks remains uncertain. Thus, while the claim is largely supported, the nuances in dietary impacts warrant caution in interpretation.