What potential poisons are we allowing our children to consume... or be given?

As we all know, there are many threads on ATS which advise us of the dangers of ingredients in our foods. I, like many other people, have tried to cut down and eliminate as many "bad" things as possible. But I am beginning to realize that it is practically IMPOSSIBLE to get ahead of the toxins. I am in the U.S., but many countries around the world are dealing with this issue.

I was reading a news blurb this morning which refreshed my memory and spurred me to start this thread.

shine.yahoo.com...

80% of Pre-Packaged Foods in America Are Banned in Other Countries

I wanted to make a place where we can highlight the things we know or learn on this subject, so that anyone who is looking into improving their food quality, or trying to learn what additives to avoid, has a place to look.

I find it almost ridiculous when I review additives to common foods. One of my first battles was the additive Polysorbate 80.

www.wisegeek.org...

What Is Polysorbate 80?

Polysorbate 80, also known as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate or Tween™ 80, is an amber-colored, viscous liquid with a slightly bitter taste. It is used primarily as an emulsifier in food products, cosmetics, vitamins, medicines, and vaccines. The product is a derivative of sorbitol and oleic acid, and is manufactured worldwide

I need to add here that this substance is known by MANY names: also known as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate or Tween™ 80, Darbepoetin alfa , (x)-sorbitan mono-9-octadecenoate poly (oxy-1,2 ethanediyl),
POE (80) sorbitan monooleate, E433.

In the 1980s, Polysorbate 80 was put forward as a potential cure for baldness, and was initially well received; however, in 1986, a lengthy hearing involving manufacturers, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the US Postal Service, a court ruling prevented manufacturers from making anti-baldness claims

There has been some controversy over the potential health risks of Polysorbate 80. The primary concern involves injection of the chemical into the body, and a study in 1993 showed that its injection into baby female rats resulted in malformed reproductive organs. Years later, reports of this study caused many to question if this compound was safe when used in flu vaccines for the H1N1 virus.

Obviously, this article is a simple, informative one. It does not delve too deeply into the studies pertaining to this ingredient. It is included in many injectibles such as: Rhogam, Gardasil, Quadracel, Flu Vaccines, Infant vaccines, Depo Provera. And more, of course.


en.wikipedia.org...

Polysorbate 80 (brand names include Alkest, Canarcel and Tween, which is a registered trademark of ICI Americas, Inc.)[2] is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid, and is often used in foods. Polysorbate 80 is a viscous, water-soluble yellow liquid. The hydrophilic groups in this compound are polyethers also known as polyoxyethylene groups which are polymers of ethylene oxide. In the nomenclature of polysorbates, the numeric designation following polysorbate refers to the lipophilic group, in this case the oleic acid (see polysorbate for more detail). Polysorbate 80 is often used in food and other products as an emulsifier.

Many people don't like Wikipedia, and I understand, but sometimes it can lead you to more information. For instance, Polysorbate 80 is a nonionic surfactant (detergent, foaming agent).

This substance is added to Ice Cream (except the organic or some of the high end brands), Sweet Pickle Relish (the only brand I have found on the shelves without it was produced in India) frozen Pizza and many, many more.

It is difficult to find in depth information on Polysorbate 80. In fact, articles that were more detailed three years ago, I cannot find now. Others have been on the same quest and one article by a private party has a lot of the info outlined:

voices.yahoo.com...

Dangerous Food Additives - How Polysorbate 80 Could Be Harming Your Health

This author lists side effects including Allergies, Gastrointestinal Problems, Fertility Issues and Tumor Growth. A private party's opinion you say. Ok. Let us look at a professional report.

www.drugs.com...

Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is used as a solubilizing agent in IV formulations of the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone. Rare case reports of liver toxicity have been published suggesting polysorbate 80 may contribute to liver toxicity with the IV formulation of amiodarone. The package labeling of amiodarone warns that polysorbate 80 is also known to leach DEHP (dioctyl phthalate) from PVC and dosing recommendations should be followed closely.

Granted, this is talking about IV therapy. But, notice that it acknowledges the leaching capability of the substance when interacting with PVC (plastic). Our food these days is commonly packaged in plastic cartons, plastic coated cardboard, and plastic lined cans (BPA). How great a leap is it to say that this is of concern? OK

Let us look at one more source which provides copious links on the subject:

www.whale.to...

Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80) -- Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate (polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleat)

Polysorbate 80 and Histidine, a marriage of disaster by Cynthia A. Janak

"Polysorbate 80 is a very effective surfactant used to trick and open up the blood brain barrier (Lannone, Sun, Kreuter and Tianbin for starters) , and allow nano-drugs to be dragged through into the brain."--Hilary Butler

My suggestion to those of you who are still interested by this point, is to read every link I have presented. I think you will find that there are many ways that this substance can be detrimental, both by consumption and injection. Polysorbate 80 is used as an emulsifier, a stabilizer and an excipient.

en.wikipedia.org...

An excipient is generally a pharmacologically inactive substance formulated with the active ingredient ("API") of a medication. Excipients are commonly used to bulk up formulations that contain potent active ingredients (thus often referred to as "bulking agents," "fillers," or "diluents"), to allow convenient and accurate dispensation of a drug substance when producing a dosage form. They also can serve various therapeutic-enhancing purposes, such as facilitating drug absorption or solubility, or other pharmacokinetic considerations.[1] Excipients can also be useful in the manufacturing process, to aid in the handling of the active substance concerned such as by facilitating powder flowability or non-stick properties, in addition to aiding in vitro stability such as prevention of denaturation over the expected shelf life. The selection of appropriate excipients also depends upon the route of administration and the dosage form, as well as the active ingredient and other factors.

cont.

I hope that everyone who reads this thread, and has other additives of concern will post that information. I am not someone who just jumps on a band wagon and expects everyone else to also. I truly want to explore the various and many toxins and contaminants that are allowed to be included in our foods and our medicines, or any other delivery system that interacts with our bodies.

I look forward to discussing this and other items.

BT

Interesting OP. I was discussing this the other day with someone. We are bombarded by a chemical cocktail everyday. Even when we think we are cleaning ourselves we are dousing ourselves in chemicals. The detergents we use, cleaning products, plastic bottles, metal cans, medications, beauty products, foods,toys etc .

Individually it might not add up to much but when combined it seems a bit staggering and makes you wonder just how safe it is. Does the FDA for example when evaluating a product or ingredient do they consider the lethal doses and such just from that one product or do they consider the daily amounts combining with other products? If product Y has just under the safe amount of ingredient X and they pass it as safe for this reasoning what happens when you take product Y and chase it with product Z which also contains ingredient X ? This seems like the ultimate soft kill method.

One of my big shocks came in an unabridged audio book I'd listened to probably 10+ years ago. It was during a time my company all but had me living in the Northeast for short runs across Jersey, PA and into Mass, so it hit home hard.

A fair portion of Southern New Jersey industry that one sees heading north up I-95 and which look like Oil Refineries (I'd always assumed it was) are actually the world center for artificial coloring, flavoring and related efforts. In other words.... Giant chemical plants to make the popsicle the right shade of red or the Orange Juice taste just right.

That kinda made me a fatalist on food in some ways on the spot. Look at any label from a store bought food item. It's there in one of the above types.

Chemicals....it's what's for dinner! ...and breakfast .. and lunch.. and popcorn at the movies .. and...

reply to post by NihilistSanta


I don't think the FDA tallies every exposure for totals. I believe that each product is evaluated individually. In many cases, consuming one item with that toxin in it is relatively harmless. But our society doesn't "eat just one", lol.

You are correct to think that it accumulates. And, many of these toxins are stored by our bodies in fat tissue because they are toxic to us. Our livers can only process so much at a time, and that is the liver's method for protecting itself. So we are carrying them around.

Gives a whole new point of view to our obesity issues, doesn't it?

BT

reply to post by Wrabbit2000


Yes it is. And we have been conditioned to accept it. To the point, where, my children think the organic macaroni and cheese I prepare is awful because it isn't bright orange yellow, lol.

We don't, however, have to accept it as long as we are allowed to choose wisely. If they ever succeed in pricing us out of organic or self grown/prepared foods, it will be an accelerated trip down hill.

BT

Personally I would give my kids extra servings of this stuff. I try to consume as much and as many chemicals as I possibly can.

Build up a tolerance, adapt and evolve!

There has to be a reason for all these chemicals and as they get more and more pronounced even the rich will not escape them. How can they? If the earth everything is grown in is unnatural then EVERYONE will be affected! There is no safe foods anymore lol

And for them just like health food nuts it will be too late (psst it already is)...

When this World is finally a complete toxic cesspool all the health food nuts & Rich will die quickly as their bodies cannot adapt!

The meek mutants will inherit the Earth and I will be their 3-eyed KING!

reply to post by abeverage


Well, shall I start practicing "Hail, abeverage, Hail!".

What would be the appropriate toast, I don't think "To Your Good Health" would apply at that point.



BT

Originally posted by BearTruth
reply to post by abeverage

 

Well, shall I start practicing "Hail, abeverage, Hail!".

What would be the appropriate toast, I don't think "To Your Good Health" would apply at that point.

BT

That will do nicely!

I just see we have 2 options

Stop buying that crap and pray everyone will follow suit and promote healthy clean, sustainable living (*cough* look at the lines at Fast Food and shopping carts at Walmart for that answer...).

OR

Beat them at their own game and become TOXIC AVENGERS! Stop eating all natural foods and only eat all processed meats, Twinkies, Doritos, Sodas, MacDonalds, anything and everything that is un-natural! And then breed like rabbits until the Rich and Scientist are overwhelmed by the shear number of Zombie Mutants hell bent on consuming everything!

Personally I can see which option is working through un-natural selection...

reply to post by abeverage


Yes, me too. I do believe, option two is well in play. In fact, they made a movie about it "Idiocracy". lol

I choose the first option for myself and my family as long as I am able to provide it, of course, when they are grown and out on their own, they will be making their own choices.

I just hope more people decide to choose more wisely. I like cute healthy babies, and weep for those who are being born with birth defects and life long disabilities. Especially when some can be prevented.

BT

Delving a little deeper into the abyss of Polysorbate 80, I have a bit more scientific information for you.

scholar.google.com...

This link will take you to several articles on the Scholar website. They can be hard to digest if you are not knowledgeable on the subject matter, but they are plain enough for most to get the gist.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com...

Cultured microvessel brain endothelial cells of human and bovine origin were used as an in vitro model for the BBB to gain further insight into the mechanism of uptake of nanoparticles. With cells from these species we were able to show that polysorbate 80-coated nanoparticles were taken up by brain endothelial cells much more rapidly and in significantly higher amounts (20-fold) than uncoated nanoparticles. The process of uptake was followed by fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results demonstrate that the nanoparticles are taken up by cells and that this uptake occurs via an endocytotic mechanism.

The gist is: Polysorbate 80 allows nanoparticles of various drugs, vaccines and other matter, to cross the Blood Brain Barrier when they otherwise would not be able to do so, via endocytotic mechanisms. In other words, it facilitates the permeation of the blood brain barrier which nature set up to protect our Central Nervous System. It renders the barrier permeable by enticing it to absorb matters it otherwise would not, potentially allowing greater absorption and thus toxicity.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Previously in the thread, I discussed the inundation of Polysorbate 80 into our food stuffs and many medications and vaccines. I brought up the fact that it leaches harmful plastics (PVC) into IV medications, and it makes sense that it would do the same with food and the other things listed.

From my perspective, the inclusion of this substance in our food to make it creamier, or our medications to make them work more quickly, or more efficiently is NOT worth the potential hazards which can come about by exposing our brain, our central nervous system, to contaminates and toxins that were NEVER supposed to reach them. That is for the things that are researched. What about all the things that Polysorbate 80 interacts with down the road after it has been ingested or administered? The trials in the above link indicated that the medications did not cross the barrier alone, they could ONLY do so with the assistance of the Polysorbate 80.

Are the potential dangers worth the proported benefits of this substance? In the past twenty years all manner of autoimmune disorders have "mysteriously" multiplied ridiculously. Autism is on the forefront, lupus, fibromyalgia, thyroid disfunction, infertility. How many of these things are influenced by the advancement of Polysorbate 80 and the untold numbers of other additives, adjuvants, fillers and facilitators that are used routinely in our consumables?

Thought provoking, don't you think?

BT

I plan on exploring food dyes, like Yellow #5, MSG, aspartame and others.

Please feel free to post substances that are added to our foods and medicines, which concern you. Knowledge is the goal.

Thanks,

BT

It is getting to the point where one is tempted to 'step away from the food'. Best way is to grow, can and freeze your own. Bake your own bread, etc.

The problem is as abeverage pointed out, where do we escape to? Even doing the best you can with avoiding additives and unwanted chemicals, they are literally everywhere.

With only a few producers/manufacturers these days and even organics being called into question, I don't know what a Mother is to do to try and feed her family safely.

I did not know all about Polysorbate 80, now I wish I didn't. Going forward is diligence going to be enough?

Originally posted by BearTruth
I plan on exploring food dyes, like Yellow #5, MSG, aspartame and others.

Please feel free to post substances that are added to our foods and medicines, which concern you. Knowledge is the goal.

Thanks,

BT

I picked up a client from outpatient surgery and the nurse warned her about aspartame in diet soda and the meds she was required to take. The two together could make her really ill. She is addicted to it so I doubt she has listened because she is constantly saying she's nauseous. I stay away from diet soda! (and have scaled back consumption of soda but haven't totally quit yet)

I think the only way to do our bodies better is to quit eating all the foods that contain these harmful chemicals but it's a tall order. I do eat salad now without dressing and use avocado mashed into it with lime juice. I was surprised at how good it tasted. I did this after reading the label on my salad dressing: Corn syrup, sugar, salt, caramel color and calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor) What the heck?

reply to post by Iamschist


As you said, you can only do the best you can. Knowledge is power, even when you are overwhelmed by the occurrence.

By avoiding as many things as you can, as much as you can, you are at least giving your bodies a chance to recover from the injuries rendered by the toxins.

Personally, I became completely overwhelmed by the magnitude of this about three years ago. My kids were balking at the restrictions and it just didn't seem worth it. Then about a year ago, my daughter was found to be insulin resistant, my son started developing allergies and the mother in me resurged.

I do what I can. By trying to share the information I find, that others found the courage to post and write about before me, I hope to let other parents have the opportunity to learn and act as they see fit.

Who knows, maybe these thoughts I have, never occurred to those who see these substances as helpful. Maybe they didn't realize that their families could potentially have these problems. Or maybe they are simply goal driven and don't see beyond it. Or, maybe I am simply wrong.

I believe in cause and effect. I believe in watching for the pot hole in the road. I believe in being cautious, careful and choosing natural over manipulated.

Hang in there! Our families are worth it.

reply to post by texasgirl


Yes Aspartame happens to be on my list for discussion.

I also have given up a lot of the foods I used to enjoy. I quit diet sodas a very long time ago, because the aspartame gave me blinding headaches. Now I read labels, but I still miss one now and then. Aspartame is in many things, and uses different names also.

When I was growing up, my Mother loved Miracle Whip. We ate it on sandwiches, salads, deviled eggs, everything. I continued this practice as an adult also. A couple years ago, I noticed it didn't taste right to me. It was off. I checked the label and found that the ingredients were not to my liking. It smells bad to me also, now.

I have started using olive oil with vinegar and spices. I am still exploring and creating new mixes, lol. My kids will try them just to shut me up, and frequently find they like them.

Originally posted by BearTruth
reply to post by texasgirl

 

Yes Aspartame happens to be on my list for discussion.

I also have given up a lot of the foods I used to enjoy. I quit diet sodas a very long time ago, because the aspartame gave me blinding headaches. Now I read labels, but I still miss one now and then. Aspartame is in many things, and uses different names also.

When I was growing up, my Mother loved Miracle Whip. We ate it on sandwiches, salads, deviled eggs, everything. I continued this practice as an adult also. A couple years ago, I noticed it didn't taste right to me. It was off. I checked the label and found that the ingredients were not to my liking. It smells bad to me also, now.

I have started using olive oil with vinegar and spices. I am still exploring and creating new mixes, lol. My kids will try them just to shut me up, and frequently find they like them.

[/quote


Aspartame gave you blinding headaches? I should tell my client this, as she suffers from weekly migraines. She is also on so many meds that her medicine cabinet looks like a drugstore.

I was a weird, but lucky kid. I hated ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressing and barbecue sauce so I ate many meals plain. I was a tomb boy and jumped off houses but have never broken a single bone (or had a sprain) I also ate tons of vegetables and fruits and did not really develop a taste for desserts until later in life. I still don't like mayonnaise much but I will eat it sometimes, and I still hate ketchup. I do like ranch dressing, though, but not many others. I get my taste from nuts and seeds in salads, and from cherry tomatoes.

I wonder if this has contributed to the fact I am not on any drugs and very rarely, if ever, get sick. You should try mashing avocado and lime juice with romaine lettuce, along with cherry tomatoes, yellow onions, mushrooms and sunflower nuts. I bet your kids would (grudgingly) like it!

reply to post by texasgirl


I bet your diet is a reason you weren't sick.

I love avocado and will definitely try the salad. Just last night I tried to get my 12 year old to eat guacamole. He tasted it, but didn't like it. I will keep working on him, lol.

Do mention the headaches to your client. Who knows, it may solve one of their problems. Good luck.

BT

Many of the things that people have been led to believe are bad here in America are actually necessary for proper mind function. If you do not consume them than you may need antidepressant or other medicines to make up for the deficiency. I do not know how these rumors got started in the past, probably by someone who profited by their spreading. Many chemicals that are added to foods, and the foods that they are pushing as good are not good for us if overconsumed. Proper preparation of these foods is necessary, people are doing this wrong...They then need medicines to fix the metabolic problems.

Aspartame is not good for us on a regular basis, a little occasionally won't bother us that much. Free glutamates to excess are not good for us but bound glutamates are necessary in the right moderations to keep us from getting depressed and to help us form long term memories. Adding free glutamates to foods as an attractant or using food chemistry that boosts free glutamates is not good. It creates highs and lows and moody people. Carrageenan is a bad additive, I haven't been able to find any good about it like other things that are said to be bad. I think that it is better to use agar myself. I could go on and on with hundreds of different combinations that could have problems. I personally think that the FDA is corrupt for allowing all these attractants to be added to foods and for allowing unproven chemistry to be introduced into the food supply. Let the buyer beware is the main principal of this society. I believe that most people would not believe what I know, but I have examined a lot of research and many interpretations of the research. Sometimes I wonder how the writer of an article can conclude from their research what they are concluding. Sometimes I find other evidence that substantuates their claims in other research that they do not attach, that makes their conclusions a little better but often the negative effects outweigh the positive effects ten fold.

Oh well, sorry for boring you guys with my dribble.

Originally posted by rickymouse
Many of the things that people have been led to believe are bad here in America are actually necessary for proper mind function. If you do not consume them than you may need antidepressant or other medicines to make up for the deficiency. I do not know how these rumors got started in the past, probably by someone who profited by their spreading. Many chemicals that are added to foods, and the foods that they are pushing as good are not good for us if overconsumed. Proper preparation of these foods is necessary, people are doing this wrong...They then need medicines to fix the metabolic problems.

Aspartame is not good for us on a regular basis, a little occasionally won't bother us that much. Free glutamates to excess are not good for us but bound glutamates are necessary in the right moderations to keep us from getting depressed and to help us form long term memories. Adding free glutamates to foods as an attractant or using food chemistry that boosts free glutamates is not good. It creates highs and lows and moody people. Carrageenan is a bad additive, I haven't been able to find any good about it like other things that are said to be bad. I think that it is better to use agar myself. I could go on and on with hundreds of different combinations that could have problems. I personally think that the FDA is corrupt for allowing all these attractants to be added to foods and for allowing unproven chemistry to be introduced into the food supply. Let the buyer beware is the main principal of this society. I believe that most people would not believe what I know, but I have examined a lot of research and many interpretations of the research. Sometimes I wonder how the writer of an article can conclude from their research what they are concluding.

Sometimes I find other evidence that substantuates their claims in other research that they do not attach, that makes their conclusions a little better but often the negative effects outweigh the positive effects ten fold.

Oh well, sorry for boring you guys with my dribble.

I agree, in small quantities, it can be helpful. But...look at our population. Do you think we are ingesting this stuff in small quantities? I see people consuming massive quantities of diet soda. My client has nothing but diet soda lining the shelves in her fridge. Others are consuming 'Big Gulps' of regular soda. Our food portion sizes have tripled. We are getting bigger. The chemicals we consume have tripled along with it.

If we could scale back the portions and start adding more organic fruits and vegetables the problem wouldn't be as bad.

And it's funny, too...I wonder if these researchers eat what they write about?