There have been many changes in the food industry from past to present. As new and long-lasting foods came into our lives, we started to meet food additives. We have to consume many preservatives whose names and functions we do not know. It is touted that most of them are healthy. But whether this is a grain of truth is gnawing at one corner of our minds. It is known that marketing strategies are made to increase the sales rate rather than human health. The subject of this article is an additive called propylene glycol. I will tell you what you need to know about this additive. You decide whether it is healthy or not. What is propylene glycol?
Propylene glycol is an additive used as an ingredient in cosmetics, hygiene products and prepared foods. US and European food regulatory authorities say this additive is generally safe for use in foods. At the same time, the consumption of this substance, which is used in antifreeze, is controversial. Because it has been determined that there are some harms in terms of health.
What is propylene glycol?
What is Propylene Glycol?
It is a synthetic food additive belonging to the same chemical group as alcohol. It is a colorless, odorless, slightly syrupy liquid that is slightly thicker than water. It has almost no flavor.
Some substances dissolve better than water and are good at retaining moisture. Because of these properties, it is a preferred additive and is found in a wide variety of processed foods and beverages. Other names used for propylene glycol include:
This additive is sometimes mixed with ethylene glycol as it is also used in antifreeze due to its low melting points. However, these are not the same items. Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to humans and is not used in food products.
Where Is Propylene Glycol Used?
Propylene glycol is widely used to aid in the processing of foods, change their texture, flavor, appearance and increase shelf life. The purpose of use in foods is as follows:
It is used to prevent clumping.
It is used to extend the shelf life of foods.
Colorants and flavors dissolve other food additives to be used.
It changes the starch and gluten in the dough, making it more stable.
It prevents the separation of food ingredients such as oil and vinegar in the salad dressing.
It helps foods to maintain a stable moisture level and prevents them from drying out.
It is used to increase the appeal of a food by changing its appearance.
It can be used to hold food ingredients together or to concentrate during and after processing.
It can change the look and texture of a food.
Propylene glycol; drinkable mixes, sauces, instant soups, cake mix, soft drinks,popcornfound in packaged foods such as food coloring, fast food, and dairy products.
It is also used in some creams and ointments applied to the skin, such as injectable drugs such as lorazepam and skin cortisones.
Due to its chemical properties, it is found in various hygiene and cosmetic products. It is also used in industrial products such as paint, antifreeze, artificial smoke, and e-cigarettes.
Propylene Glycol Harms
Dangerous for people with kidney or liver disease
In adults with normal liver and kidney function, propylene glycol is broken down and removed from the blood fairly quickly. On the other hand, in people with kidney disease or liver disease, this process is not as effective and quick. Therefore, this additive causes lactic acid build-up in the blood stream and signs of toxicity.
Also, since there is no maximum dose limit for propylene glycol used in medicines, it is possible to take very high doses in some cases. People with kidney and liver disease should use drug alternatives that do not contain propylene glycol.
It is dangerous for babies and pregnant women
Pregnant women, children under the age of four, and infants have low levels of an enzyme known as alcohol dehydrogenase. This enzyme is required for the breakdown of propylene glycol. Therefore, these groups are at risk of developing toxicity when ingested in large quantities via the drug.
Risk of heart attack
When propylene glycol is injected in large quantities or too quickly, there may be a drop in blood pressure and heart rhythm problems may occur.
Animal studies show that very high doses of propylene glycol can lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and even cause the heart to stop. These conditions were caused by drugs given at high doses. The amount of propylene glycol found in normal foods has not been associated with any heart problems in children or adults.
Neurological symptoms may occur
In one case, a woman with epilepsy developed recurrent convulsions and lightheadedness due to propylene glycol poisoning from an unknown source. Seizures have also been observed in infants who developed toxicity from injectable drugs.
Additionally, 16 patients at a neurology clinic were given 402 mg of propylene glycol three times daily for three days. One of them developed severe neurological symptoms. A very high amount of propylene glycol was used in these studies. Scientists observed that 2-15 ml of propylene glycol caused nausea, dizziness and strange sensations. These symptoms disappeared within 6 hours.
May cause allergic skin reactions
It is estimated that between 0.8% and 3.5% of people are allergic to this additive. The most common skin reaction after consuming propylene glycol is dermatitis.
Systemic dermatitis has been reported after eating food and taking drugs containing propylene glycol and intravenous drugs. Therefore, people with propylene glycol allergy should not only stay away from foods containing this additive, but also should not use products such as shampoo, soap, moisturizer containing it.
May cause breathing problems
Propylene glycol is a fairly common ingredient in smoke machines (for theater productions) and other inhalable materials. In their studies of rats, some scientists found enlarged cells in the airways and some nosebleeds.
May lead to more harmful chemicals
Perhaps the most important part of exposure to fixed propylene glycol is its ability to allow free passage of other chemicals into the bloodstream. Propylene glycol increases the skin's tendency to absorb anything it comes in contact with. Given the large volumes of hazardous chemicals we encounter on a regular basis, this may be even more dangerous than the compound itself.
