Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant primarily used as a preservative in foods, supplements, and cosmetics. Its main function is to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. While...
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant primarily used as a preservative in foods, supplements, and cosmetics. Its main function is to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life. While BHT exhibits antioxidant properties and some in vitro antiviral activity, its primary use is not as an active ingredient for health benefits. The safety profile of BHT is complex, with concerns surrounding potential allergic reactions, endocrine disruption, liver effects, and conflicting evidence related to carcinogenicity. Regulatory bodies monitor and control BHT usage to ensure exposure remains within acceptable limits. Research continues to explore the potential long-term health effects of BHT exposure.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Not applicable as BHT is primarily used as a preservative in supplements, and dosage is not a primary consideration for its intended function.
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
BHT is produced industrially by the reaction of p-cresol (4-methylphenol) with isobutylene, catalyzed by sulfuric acid or other acid catalysts.
Use Type
BothPotential Benefits
Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing cellular damage and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to overall health and disease prevention. They work by donating electrons to stabilize free radicals and supporting antioxidant enzyme systems.
In vitro research indicates that BHT may inhibit HSV replication, but these results lack confirmation in living organisms or human trials. More research is needed to validate this benefit.
Possible Side Effects
Potential Carcinogenic Effects indicate an increased risk of cancer development due to a substance or treatment. This risk depends on various factors like dosage, duration, and individual predisposition, requiring careful assessment and monitoring.
Endocrine disruption involves interference with the endocrine system by chemicals, leading to hormonal imbalances and a variety of adverse health effects, including developmental abnormalities, reproductive problems, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
BHT, at high doses in animal studies, has been linked to liver enlargement and changes in liver enzyme activity. The relevance of these effects to humans at typical exposure levels is currently uncertain.
BHT's potential to cause cancer is unclear, with conflicting evidence from animal and human studies. The IARC classifies BHT as not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans, requiring further research.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies available on PubMed and other scientific databases detail the effects of BHT. Key areas of research include: antioxidant properties and food preservation, in vitro antiviral activity against specific viruses (e.g., herpes simplex virus), endocrine disruption potential, liver enzyme activity, and carcinogenicity studies in animal models. Refer to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) reports for regulatory assessments.
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