Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in food, supplements, and cosmetics to prevent spoilage by inhibiting oxidation. Its effectiveness as an antioxidant is...
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative in food, supplements, and cosmetics to prevent spoilage by inhibiting oxidation. Its effectiveness as an antioxidant is well-established. However, concerns exist regarding its safety profile. Animal studies have demonstrated carcinogenicity at high doses, and potential endocrine-disrupting effects have been suggested. Allergic reactions are also possible. While regulatory bodies generally consider BHA safe at low concentrations commonly found in products, caution is advised, and consumers should be aware of the potential risks, particularly with long-term or high-dose exposure. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects on human health.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Dosage varies significantly depending on the application (food, supplements, cosmetics). Typical levels in food range from 0.0002% to 0.02% of the total weight. Human supplement dosages are less common and vary widely.
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
BHA is synthesized industrially by reacting 4-methoxyphenol with isobutylene.
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.
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.
BHA is classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on animal studies showing forestomach tumors in rodents at high doses. Human studies are inconclusive and the relevance at typical exposure levels is debated.
Animal studies suggest potential endocrine disrupting effects, particularly at high doses. The relevance to human health at typical exposure levels from use as a preservative is not fully established.
Scientific Evidence
IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 40: Some Naturally Occurring Substances: Food Items and Constituents, Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines and Mycotoxins. Lyon, 1986. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of butylated hydroxyanisole (E 320) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 2011;9(3):2065.
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