Table of Contents
What are the effects of BHA and BHT?
Health and Environmental Hazards BHA and BHT can induce allergic reactions in the skin [1]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies BHA as a possible human carcinogen [2].
How does BHT act as an antioxidant?
There are two mechanisms of antioxidant activity: synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and -hydroxytoluene (BHT) act by blocking the propagation of peroxy radicals, whereas many other antioxidants (e.g., carotenoids) quench the reactive singlet state of oxygen (converting it into its triplet …
How does BHT prevent oxidation?
Synthetic chemicals such as BHA, BHT, and TBHQ are primary antioxidants that interrupt the free-radical chain of oxidative reactions by contributing hydrogen from the phenolic hydroxyl groups, themselves forming stable free radicals which do not initiate or propagate further oxidation of lipids.
What is the effect of BHA?
In the past years, it raised concerns regarding its possible endocrine disrupting effect. The existing in vitro studies indicate that BHA presents a weak estrogenic effect and also anti-androgenic properties while an in vivo study found it to have antiestrogenic properties.
Why are the compounds BHA and BHT often added to foods that contain fats and oils?
Since 1947, BHA has been added to edible fats and fat-containing foods for its antioxidant properties as it prevents rancidification of food which creates objectionable odors. Like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the conjugated aromatic ring of BHA is able to stabilize free radicals, sequestering them.
Is BHA an antioxidant?
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an antioxidant consisting of a mixture of two isomeric organic compounds, 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole. The primary use for BHA is as an antioxidant and preservative in food, food packaging, animal feed, cosmetics, rubber, and petroleum products.
What is the difference between BHT and BHA?
BHA and BHT prevent the oxidation of fats and oils that would convert them into rancid, foul-smelling, harmful products. BHA is a white or pale yellow waxy solid with a faint pleasant odor. BHT is a white crystalline solid. Both compounds are members of the phenol family of organic compounds.
What does BHT do to the body?
BHT is an antioxidant. It may damage the protective outer layer of viral cells. This may keep the viruses from multiplying and/or doing more damage.
Are BHT and BHA safe?
This review details experimental studies of genotoxicity and carcinogenicity which bear on cancer hazard assessment of exposure to humans. We conclude that BHA and BHT pose no cancer hazard and, to the contrary, may be anticarcinogenic at current levels of food additive use.
Why are BHA and BHT added to foods quizlet?
Antioxidants such as BHA, BHT and vitamin E function to maintain the freshness of foods by preventing fats from turning rancid and preventing discoloration.
How does BHT work in food?
BHT is used as a preservative ingredient in some foods. With this usage BHT maintains freshness or prevents spoilage; it may be used to decrease the rate at which the texture, color, or flavor of food changes.