So it seems that High levels of Propionic Acid (PPA) affects fetal development, resulting in autism.
Personally I would not be surprised to see chemical additives to food have a wide range of effects on fetal and child development, including allergies and obesity.
I've said this since I discovered that I have an allergic reaction to Hershey's powdered chocolate milk mix but not to Nestles' powdered chocolate milk mix. Additives to extend shelf life or to prevent clumping are not listed.
Our Western diet has so many drawbacks, it is quite astonishing. It is almost a catch-22 at this stage. We are eating foods that make us sick and then we require medicine to alleviate the symptoms. If most individuals opted to just alter their food behaviors, it would make a world of difference to their long term health.
Every individual is different, but the consensus appears to be that if you eat more natural foods, in their original state with minimal chemical interventions required, it appears to have the best overall effect on your health.
My diet is mostly Mediterranean based (Greek heritage) and that seemed to help quite a bit. We only used olive oil at home, mostly cooked our own meals, and avoided heavily processed foods. In adulthood, I (mostly) follow the same philosophy.
I am actually often surprised how often most people (Americans especially), eat out. I make 90% of the meals I eat at home and only go out on occasion. But the mindset nowadays appears to have shifted to eat out more and eat in less. And even when people eat in, it is often pre-made meals, like TV dinners.
The good news is the younger generation appears to have taken a stronger interest in healthier foods as well more interest in the environment. So that is a plus.
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