Why bht is bad for you

In Vivo. Endocrine disrupting effects of butylated hydroxyanisole BHA - E Clujul Med. Effects of butylated hydroxyanisole on the development and functions of reproductive system in rats. European Commission. Call for data on ingredients with potential endocrine-disrupting properties used in cosmetic products.

February 15, National Center for Biotechnology Information. Final report on the safety assessment of BHT 1. Int J Toxicol. Bomgardner MM. General Mills to remove antioxidant BHT from its cereals.

Published February 19, Ultra-processed foods and health outcomes: a narrative review. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFit.

At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. The scoop on BHA is a bit ambivalent. For dry foods like cereal the FDA has set limits for each food type. See here and here. The situation is much the same in Europe. And the European Commission has placed BHA as a category 1 potential endocrine disruptor [pdf] based on evidence that it interferes with hormonefunction in at least one living organism.

The evidence on BHT is a bit more reassuring. Despite its structural similarity to BHA, there is no conclusive evidence that it is carcinogenic. The IARC lists it as unclassifiable for humans, but finds that there is limited evidence that it causes cancer in animals. See here , here [pdf] and here.

Some data suggest that BHT also acts as a weak endocrine disruptor , and may impact such organs as the lungs, liver, kidney and thyroid. Turns out there may actually be a health benefit. These preservatives work because they are antioxidants.

Foods rich in natural antioxidants are powerhouses for the body , acting against so-called free radicalsthat can wreak havoc on the body. Well, certainly the chemical preservatives do not carry the same nutritional value as foods naturally rich with antioxidants. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible. Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. Things placed into this category are generally a neither good nor bad for you, or b lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.

Butylated hydroxytoluene is an organic compound more commonly known as BHT. Chemically, it is a derivative of phenol and is beneficial for its antioxidant properties. BHT is a common food additive used to preserve freshness and help get our food to the table without an unpalatable change in color or taste.

BHT occurs naturally when it is produced by plankton, and can also be manufactured in a laboratory setting. The chemical compound acts similarly to a synthetic form of vitamin E, suppressing the automatic oxidation process. Oxidation can be blamed for making sliced apples turn brown and oils in food rancid.

Many US food corporations have voluntarily removed it from their ingredients; some are now phasing it out of their products. Although the National Cancer Institute found BHT to be non-carcinogenic in , today there is debate regarding BHT and its potential link to cancer, asthma, and behavioral issues in children.

Recent studies resulted in conflicting data. There has been a causative effect noted between BHT and hormonal disruption in human fetuses, namely on the thyroid and testes. Some studies -- those that are conducted on rats and mice over a long period of time -- indicate that BHT has the potential for accumulation in the body. These chronic studies link this build-up of chemical preservatives to stomach and bladder cancer, liver damage, and tumor production.

In sensitive mice, BHT exposure caused excessive inflammation. When applied topically, BHT stays on the skin or slowly passes through and does not produce a systemic response. No skin irritation, sensitization, or photosensitization occurred. As such, it is primarily used to prevent fats in foods from becoming rancid — but it is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, jet fuels, rubber, petroleum products, electrical transformer oil, and embalming fluid. It has been the subject of many studies, which have been contradictory in their findings.

The result is that we are left with confusion over whether consuming and applying products containing BHT is safe. This confusion is nothing new, as we can see from the following excerpt from Business Week magazine back in Several additives are suspected carcinogens.

Food companies use these similar chemical substances to prevent spoilage in foods with oil or shortening and to preserve many breakfast cereals from Total to Quaker Instant Oatmeal , enriched rice products, and dried soups. Repeated studies have shown that BHA and BHT increase the risk of cancer as well as accumulate in body tissue, cause liver enlargement, and retard the rate of DNA synthesis and thus, cell development. However, one study, released in , suggests these same additives may actually retard cancer development because of their antioxidant properties.

There is actually more than one study suggesting anti-carcinogenic effects of BHT. This article aims to look at the conflicting conclusions to help individuals to make informed choices regarding purchasing these products. There have been many studies which demonstrate that BHT accumulates over time in the body, having a toxic impact on the lungs, liver and kidneys amongst other negative effects.

We will look chronologically at their findings. A study by Gann in showed that BHT was capable of promoting chemically-induced forestomach and bladder cancer in male rats. This was followed in , with a chronic study on BHT in rats by Olsen. Dose-related increases in the numbers of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas were statistically significant.

They found that both were toxic and tumour promoting. Both antioxidants were observed to be cytotoxic in a concentration-dependent manner at concentrations ranging from to microM. Safer et al conducted a further study on rats in and came up with the same results. The food additive, butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , encourages the development of tumors from previously initiated cells.

So in those mice that had a sensitivity to BHT, it caused chronic inflammation and promoted lung tumours. A study published in in Argentina, used hamsters to prove that BHT did not prevent cancer but rather did the opposite. Results obtained showed that BHT did not decrease the chromosomal damage induced by radiation in any consistent fashion. On the contrary, in cells post-treated with 5. It is also pretty clear in the following excerpt from a study by the University of Hamburg that BHT is tumour promoting.

BHT induces liver tumours in long-term experiments. On the other hand, all three antioxidants have also anticarcinogenic properties. The intake of the necessary high doses as for these effects are, however, contraindicated with BHA and BHT because of their carcinogenic effects. There are many more studies along similar lines, which link BHT to accumulating toxicity in the liver, lungs and thyroid, even adversely affecting blood coagulation.

You can dig deeper by looking at the studies listed here. After looking through that body of evidence it is a surprise to learn that studies are showing that BHT does not have an adverse impact, and may even have an anti carcinogenic effect of BHT on the body. They suggest at the least that BHT may be safe to ingest at low levels.

A study conducted by Takahashi in found that BHT had virtually no effect on rats that were fed BHT orally over a number of generations. Three generation toxicity study of butylated hydroxytoluene administered to mice. The dose levels of BHT in this study showed little adverse effect on reproductive and neurobehavioural parameters on mice. Shockingly, a study conducted by Williams in suggested that there may be positive benefits to ingesting BHT. Butylated hydroxytoluene lacks the activity of phenobarbital in enhancing diethylnitrosamine-induced mouse liver carcinogenesis.

These results suggest that the chemoprevention by BHT of cancer resulting from low-level long-term carcinogen exposure may be achieved at doses that do not produce adverse effects. A Taiwanese study followed up in , with the first demonstration that synthetic phenolic antioxidants decrease the N-acetylation of carcinogens and formation of DNA-carcinogen. In , Williams published a study for the New York Medical College which agreed with the research.

We conclude that BHA and BHT pose no cancer hazard and, to the contrary, may be anticarcinogenic at current levels of food additive use. Further studies have agreed that BHT is not carcinogenic, but does cause negative impacts on the body, especially the liver when it accumulates over time. The vast majority of published work on BHT is based around consuming the compound. There is less information on using it topically. BHT applied to the skin appears to remain in the skin or pass through only slowly and does not produce systemic exposures to BHT or its metabolites seen with oral exposures.

Although there were only limited studies that evaluated the effect of BHT on the skin, the available studies, along with the case literature, demonstrate no significant irritation, sensitization, or photosensitization. Recognizing the low concentration at which this ingredient is currently used in cosmetic formulations, it was concluded that BHT is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. While it is true that the evidence is contradictory and confusing, there is enough negative scientific evidence to sound alarm bells.

Vitamin E has been found to be an equally good preservative, with non of the side effects of BHT, so it seems absurd that we are continuing to be force fed a chemical that is such cause for concern. This is demonstrated in a German study by Kappus, which compared the toxicology of the synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT in comparison with the natural antioxidant vitamin E. The present overview concludes that the concentrations of BHA and BHT nowadays used in food, drugs and cosmetics are probably harmless.

In addition, vitamin E can also be used in higher doses without the occurrence of adverse effects. And, when it is used, the concentrations are low. That does not however, alleviate the worry of accumulated toxins. It remains a contentious issue. Looking at the studies available, I would prefer to avoid BHT as much as possible. What are your thoughts?

Or do you think it is not worth worrying about? I remember reading many years ago that the EDTA in mayonnaise is also used in powdered laundry detergent to keep it from getting clumps so it would flow easily.

Why after all these years would they ruin such a good wholesome cereal. Jhonny Cinnamon Toast Crunch.. This was my favorite cereal unail I discovered it has Trisodium Phosphate. Google this if you want to read something scary. Ridiculous to think that is in our food..

If we sprinkled any Trisodium Phosphate on our kids cereal we would be put in jail. Watch out for the highly toxic chemical compound known as sodium bicarbonate lurking in your baked goods, too…lmfao…people like you are honestly too dumb to have lived this long on your own. Tell me, how long has your mom been tying your shoes for you?

Gee that is super mean spirited Ping to speak that way to someone. Shame on you for being that way. Ping tech you are an idiot. Yea TsP is also used in paint thinners!!! Insane what they allow in our food! Population control I suppose! Looking my gluten free corn Chex cereal box that I just finished eating from…. My husband has been eating it for years. How much of the BHT actually goes into the food from the packaging. Anyone out there who knows? Lol, Ping, dude, sodium bicarbonate is part of baking soda.

We use it for our baked goods, yeah, and, so far, the only poisonings I hear about are from deadly plants and substances, such as cyanide, arsenic, etc. The more you know, right? Its a part of ATP Adenosine triphosphate , you know, the compound that fuels every cell in your entire body? Trisodium phosphate is just the salt form of the compound. Mixed with water, it just breaks back down into sodium table salt and phosphate!

These responses from people scared of words remind me so much of that Dihydrogen Monoxide science project…. Unfortunately they lost my business whenever they add BHT or potassium benzoate. Thank you for sharing much needed knowledge. When I stopped eating cereals I never had breathing issues. But then other day I ate cereal and boom it happened again with tightness in chest. Chris, good advice. In order to make an educated decision one must have all the facts, that means reading the article in its entirety — not just the first page.

Better yet, thoroughly vet the information by going to a variety of legitimate websites. Consider the source in all matters — refrain from making quick assumptions. Think again, No one can digest gluten, it causes inflammatory markers to rocket,,, the immune system goes on full alert and attacks it to try and kill it,,,, HELLO! Not even cows can digest it and they have two stomachs!! Gluten is indeed pretty horrible.

Wheat, and all grains that contain WGA, will absolutely trash your body. Net net, humans were not intended to ingest whole-grains. Hooray for wheat! Reamann Macbiatiagh — Cows have only one 1 stomach. It is used as a cheap sweetner and an anti-freezing agent. Please check what you are consuming ,some ingredients are hardcore drugs 1 is caffeine it is a replacement for cocaine. Propalene glycol is an ingredient in antifreeze.

Talk with management repeatedly every time you find these ingredients in the food they are selling you. As a consumer you have the right to full disclosure which is not being done. The package should have a warning on it like a cigarette package. Caution: Eating this food may cause cancer or tumors. Asking for you money back is important. Talking to the management, taking up their time in a polite and respectful way is powerful.

I do this often and have had the store change products … also, your talking should be to ALL of the management; I talk to the employees also when I go through the line and other customers here the discussion.. Some bakeries use Baking Powder that has aluminum in it it is not necessary or healthful.

Best regards to you all. If it is a decent store, yeah sure it might actually get through eventually. And Yes! Thank you for saying in a respectful way!

Because the moment a customer is just acting especially aggressive it just makes people no matter what rank they are to no want to help. But aside from taking it up with the store you bought it from take it up to even the Corporate of that company as well as the company of the actual product you are buying. If you have more than one person upset, that will get more notice than just another person they could give a coupon or check for to make them happy and leave them alone.

I have eaten shredded wheat for 60 years I bet the first box said wheat and bht were the only ingredients. Any one know how long it has been used to preserve shredded wheat? That is why I am looking it up….. I bought premium rounds with whole grain.

That was ok but but was added to preserve freshness Just disposed in garbage. Why would Nabisco continue this unhealthy preservative. Might have changed now! Maybe more people should believe everything the government tells us. Many issues hit Americans. When food is coated with a solvent based anti-oxidant: butylated hydroxytoluene BHT.. Like a cockroach walking around the flour piled on the floor.. In essence the food is more difficult to break down and is harder on my system.

I just found out that the gum I chew daily and all day.. I am in awe about my gum!!! Trident whitening. It had been difficult to diagnose by my dermatologist.

So I looked at the ingredients…sure enough it contained BHT. I think I have found the culprit of my problems. Going back to the dermatologist Thursday to discuss.

Thanks Valerie!! This is disinfo. BHT is probably one of the only good food additives there is. It kills Viruses, you can even cure Aids with it. The fact that one can cure cancer and viruses with it makes it a drug, and not something anyone should consume on a regular basis. Furthermore, although many drugs do exactly what it is claimed, they all have side effects that are rather nasty. A drug used properly will be a last resort and again, should never be consumed or used on a regular basis.

People really need to think about that. Studies are never done on the accumulative effect of exposure to the hundreds or thousands of artificial substances we eat, breathe, and smear on our bodies every day. I found this site after buying a pack of extra-large flour tortillas from a restaurant supply store. I should know better by now…. For example, tortillas. We see a large batch, we walk away. Or avocados. Although BHT has antiviral properties it does not cure aids.

But you are right that the fact that it has antiviral properties has nothing to do with whether it should be used as a food additive. Actually kevin is on to something. There are no strong studies linking this as a carcinogen. There is plenty of bad stuff out there and additives are silly.

But this does have evidence that it can fight cancer and lots of viruses. HIV and Aids is a virus. Whether it cured it would depend on the severity and the persons immune system. Sounds crazy but Kevin is on track. This is the last food additive i would be concerned about… lets start with EDTA and Artificial food coloring…. Sugar in general. In short BHT has too many benefits to be really worried about it.

And im a health NUT! I eat mostly raw veggies, and do eat a little grassfed meat or fish at night. One more thing. People do buy this and take this as a supplement for a multitude of reasons. Thanks for posting the above links, Dab!!

Pretty much the same conclusion that I have found while researching BHT. But, it seems that no one else on this site has bothered to look it up for themselves. Very sad. Not surprised…. Bad mouthing BHT is not disinfo.

I have avoided preservatives for years because my lips or eyes will swell up but today I inadvertently got some BHT ensure enough my lip swelled up. That is why I am here researching, I was watching a video that claimed it is an antiviral. The only way to be sure you are not consuming chemicals and supplements is not to eat anything at all.

Good luck! Just make your own food from whole foods raised properly: organic or homegrown produce, pasture-raised meats and poultry, wild seafood, pasture-raised dairy and eggs. Then learn how to cook it right — not difficult and delicious. Saying chemicals in our food is bad just makes educated people ignore you.

What you really mean is synthetic or extracted additives which may be harmful. Also probably not as simple or straightforward as you think. Nor do the manufacturers of such products for that matter. Google Dr. Sebi and learn the truth. This black man has cured cancers, aids, blindness, paralysis, high blood pressure,etc… With seeded fruits, vegetables and alkaline water! And this He did in ! There are many innocuous products used as ingredients in dangerous products.

Great post! I just decided to do a look up because I know BHT is in a lot of preserved meats and other products. Most natural sunscreens make your skin look white.

Back to the drawing board….