Is BHT in Packaged Foods and Supplements Safe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the safety of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) in packaged foods and dietary supplements, particularly in relation to cancer risk and its potential benefits as an antioxidant. Participants explore various aspects of BHT's effects, including its use in food preservation and as a supplement for anti-aging purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether BHT could increase cancer risk, with one post suggesting that studies indicate it is not mutagenic or genotoxic but may promote tumors at high doses.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about BHT's potential to cause cancer, suggesting it acts as a radical trap and could even be beneficial.
  • There is mention of BHT being used as an anti-senescence chemical, with claims that it is taken as a dietary supplement to reduce aging effects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety of BHT, with differing views on its potential risks and benefits. Some argue it poses little to no risk, while others raise concerns about its effects at high doses.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include the reliance on specific studies without detailed examination of their methodologies, as well as the lack of clarity on the doses of BHT typically consumed in the human diet.

Soaring Crane
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Can BHT (found in packaged foods like cereal) increase the risk for cancer?
 
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Biology news on Phys.org
Studies have shown that BHT is neither mutagenic nor genotoxic, but may have some tumor promotion characteristics at high doses. Since these levels are not regularly achieved in the human diet, it looks like the general consensus is there is little to no risk of cancer, and it is also believed that the antioxidant properties of the chemical may actually be beneficial. Pubmed review.
 
Why would it?

I doubt it's a DNA interchalator.

It's a radical trap, so that could even make it beneficial.
 
Food preservatives as dietary supplements

BHT has been used for over a decade now as an anti-senescence chemical. People supplement with it in order to decrease the rate at which they age.
http://groups.google.com/group/sci.life-extension/search?q=bht&scoring=d

It is sold for the purpose of anti-senescent dietary supplementation here:
easycart.net/BeyondACenturyInc./Special_Products_A-G.html#7011
 
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