Monday, November 26, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Some links for the holiday weekend.
I don't like to post articles without scientific evidence backing them. I'd really like to get this information out there so I'm going to post a few links here for some holiday reading. As soon as I get a change after this upcoming weekend I will track down the abstracts and full texts if available for now enjoy the read and enjoy your holiday weekend!
MSG & Aspartame During Pregnancy
Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Weight Gain
HISTORY OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
Aspartame, AminoSweet, and Neotame
MSG & Aspartame During Pregnancy
Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Weight Gain
HISTORY OF GENETIC ENGINEERING
Aspartame, AminoSweet, and Neotame
Monsanto canteen no longer serves GMO's!
Monsanto's Canteen In High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire No Longer Serves GMO's.
We have probably all seen this story circulating around the web on various sites in various forms so what the heck I'll do an article on it as well. Monsanto the largest manufacturer of GMO seeds and of course Roundup, Agent Orange and a plethora of other deadly toxins does not serve it's own employees the GMO food it claims to be safe. This story actually surfaced in 1999 originally and is in regards to the pharmaceutical factory at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire when it was verified by Monsanto spokesman Tony Coombes "Yes, this is the case, and it is because we believe in choice," Do I get a choice I wonder? If they believe in choice why are they so opposed to labeling foods that contain GMO's?
What is obviously compelling is the fact that Sutcliffe Catering who actually provides and serves the food in the canteen stated the reason was: "to remove, as far as practicable, GM soya and maize from all food products served in our restaurant. We have taken the above steps to ensure that you, the customer, can feel confident in the food we serve."
Kind of strange that Monsanto employees must have had to complain that they were in fact not confident with the food they serve which would of course also mean they are not confident in eating GMO's. Monsanto spokesman Tony Coombes also stated employees at their agribusiness plant at Cambridge were happy to eat GMO's "The notice in the restaurant there says some products may contain GMOs because our staff are happy to eat food sprayed with fewer chemicals."
Well we know that is completely untrue take a look at this study. Regardless in my opinion that sign in Cambridge was there because the staff knows better than to eat that crap there's no way to verify the staff's opinion at either location since they are not allowed to discuss internal matters.
Oh well at least Monsanto employee's are smart enough not to eat GMO's and they at least have the choice, to bad they won't stand up and just say that publicly or grow a pair and just all walk off the job instead of poisoning the world. I will reiterate this story was originally posted in 1999 who knows what other Monsanto locations are no longer serving GMO's since then.
I will leave us with a quote for all the Monsanto employees out there: "To allow an atrocity is to commit one thyself"
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Saccharin Leads to Weight Gain - Study
A Role for Sweet Taste: Calorie Predictive Relations in Energy Regulation by Rats
Authors: Susan E. Swithers and Terry L. Davidson
Purdue University
Abstract:
Animals may use sweet taste to predict the caloric contents of food. Eating sweet noncaloric substances
may degrade this predictive relationship, leading to positive energy balance through increased food intake
and/or diminished energy expenditure. These experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that
experiences that reduce the validity of sweet taste as a predictor of the caloric or nutritive consequences
of eating may contribute to deficits in the regulation of energy by reducing the ability of sweet-tasting
foods that contain calories to evoke physiological responses that underlie tight regulation. Adult male
Sprague–Dawley rats were given differential experience with a sweet taste that either predicted increased
caloric content (glucose) or did not predict increased calories (saccharin). We found that reducing the
correlation between sweet taste and the caloric content of foods using artificial sweeteners in rats resulted
in increased caloric intake, increased body weight, and increased adiposity, as well as diminished caloric
compensation and blunted thermic responses to sweet-tasting diets. These results suggest that consumption of products containing artificial sweeteners may lead to increased body weight and obesity by
interfering with fundamental homeostatic, physiological processes.
Full Text Available Here!
Olestra Fat Substitute Linked to Weight Gain causes dysregulation - Study
Fat Substitutes Promote Weight Gain in Rats Consuming High-Fat Diets
Authors: Susan E. Swithers, Sean B. Ogden, and Terry L. Davidson
Purdue University
Abstract:
The use of food products designed to mimic the sensory properties of sweet and fat while providing fewer
calories has been promoted as a method for reducing food intake and body weight. However, such products
may interfere with a learned relationship between the sensory properties of food and the caloric consequences
of consuming those foods. In the present experiment, we examined whether use of the fat substitute, olestra,
affect energy balance by comparing the effects of consuming high-fat, high-calorie potato chips to the effects
of consuming potato chips that sometimes signaled high calories (using high-fat potato chips) and that
sometimes signaled lower calories (using nonfat potato chips manufactured with the fat substitute olestra).
Food intake, body weight gain and adiposity were greater for rats that consumed both the high-calorie chips
and the low-calorie chips with olestra compared to rats that consumed consuming only the high-calorie chips,
but only if animals were also consuming a chow diet that was high in fat and calories. However, rats
previously exposed to both the high- and low-calorie chips exhibited increased body weight gain, food intake
and adiposity when they were subsequently provided with a high fat, high calorie chow diet suggesting that
experience with the chips containing olestra affected the ability to predict high calories based on the sensory
properties of fat. These results extend the generality of previous findings that interfering with a predictive
relationship between sensory properties of foods and calories may contribute to dysregulation of energy
balance, overweight and obesity.
Full Text Available Here!
Olestra, Vitamin Deficiencies and Gastro Issues
It should be stated here that Olestra was banned in Canada due to the fact that Procter and Gamble could not prove it was a safe product. Olestra is more commonly known as Olean.
Olestra: A New Food Additive
Abstract
In 1987, Procter and Gamble Company (Cincinnati, Ohio) petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to amend the food additive regulations to allow sucrose esterified with fatty acids (olestra) to be used as a replacement for conventional fats. The petitioner later restricted its request for use in savory snacks. FDA considered evidence submitted by the petitioner, the opinions of experts, proceedings from the FDA Food Advisory Committee, and public discussion and concluded on January 25, 1996, that olestra was safe for use in savory snacks (eg, salty snacks such as potato chips, corn chips). Olestra is not toxic, carcinogenic, genotoxic, or teratogenic and is neither absorbed nor metabolized by the body, but may be associated with gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as cramping or loose stools. In addition, olestra affects the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins but does not affect the absorption of water-soluble nutrients. The petitioner's studies concluded that when olestra was consumed with foods containing vitamins A, D, E, or K, the fat substitute could have an effect on the absorption of these nutrients. Therefore, FDA is requiring that fat-soluble vitamins lost through absorption be added back to olestra as follows: 170 IU vitamin A per gram olestra, 12 IU vitamin D per gram olestra, 2.8 IU vitamin E per gram olestra, and 8 μg vitamin K per gram olestra. As part of the conditions of approval FDA is requiring that the food labels of products containing olestra disclose the vitamin compensation and the potential gastrointestinal effects. FDA is also requiring that further studies examining consumption patterns and the effects of olestra on human beings be conducted. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:565–569.
Consumption of monosodium glutamate in relation to incidence of overweight in Chinese adults: China Health and Nutrition Survey
Consumption of monosodium glutamate in relation to incidence of overweight in Chinese adults: China Health and Nutrition Survey
Abstract
Background: It has been hypothesized that monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer, is positively associated with weight gain, which influences energy balance through the disruption of the hypothalamic signaling cascade of leptin action.
Objective: The objective was to examine the longitudinal association between MSG consumption and incidence of overweight.
Design: Data were collected from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), a prospective open-cohort, ongoing nationwide health and nutrition survey, consisting of 10,095 apparently healthy Chinese adults aged 18–65 y at entry from 1991 to 2006. Diet, including MSG and other condiments, was assessed with a weighed food inventory in combination with three 24-h recalls. Incident overweight was defined as a body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2) ≥ 25 or ≥23 based on World Health Organization recommendations for Asian populations. Multilevel mixed-effects models were constructed to estimate change in BMI, and Cox regression models with gamma shared frailty were used to determine the incidence of overweight.
Results: The mean follow-up was 5.5 y. The cumulative mean (±SD) MSG intake of 2.2 ± 1.6 g/d was positively associated with BMI after adjustment for potential confounders and cluster effects at different levels (individual, household, and community). The adjusted hazard ratio of overweight was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.75; P for trend < 0.01) for participants in the highest quintile of MSG intake compared with those in the lowest quintile after adjustment for age, physical activity, total energy intake, and other major lifestyle factors.
Conclusions: MSG consumption was positively, longitudinally associated with overweight development among apparently healthy Chinese adults. Additional studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms of action and to establish causal inference.
Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize
Here is yet another study that shows... well basically were all being poisoned by Monsanto.
a b s t r a c t
The health effects of a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize (from 11% in the diet), cultivated
with or without Roundup, and Roundup alone (from 0.1 ppb in water), were studied 2 years in rats. In
females, all treated groups died 2–3 times more than controls, and more rapidly. This difference was visible in 3 male groups fed GMOs. All results were hormone and sex dependent, and the pathological pro-
files were comparable. Females developed large mammary tumors almost always more often than and
before controls, the pituitary was the second most disabled organ; the sex hormonal balance was modified by GMO and Roundup treatments. In treated males, liver congestions and necrosis were 2.5–5.5
times higher. This pathology was confirmed by optic and transmission electron microscopy. Marked
and severe kidney nephropathies were also generally 1.3–2.3 greater. Males presented 4 times more large
palpable tumors than controls which occurred up to 600 days earlier. Biochemistry data confirmed very
significant kidney chronic deficiencies; for all treatments and both sexes, 76% of the altered parameters
were kidney related. These results can be explained by the non linear endocrine-disrupting effects of
Roundup, but also by the overexpression of the transgene in the GMO and its metabolic consequences.
! 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Full Text Available Here!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Russian National Academy of Sciences: Surov's Hamsters Study
Ultrastructural analysis of testes from mice fed on genetically modified soybean.
Authors: Vecchio l, Cisterna B, Malatesta M, Martin T.E., Biggiogera M
Sorry no dice on locating the full text of this study this may help anyone interested in finding it.
Published European journal of histochemistry : EJH
Volume 48, Issue 4, October 2004, Pages 448-454
Authors: Vecchio l, Cisterna B, Malatesta M, Martin T.E., Biggiogera M
Abstract
We have considered the possible effects of a diet containing genetically modified (GM)
soybean on mouse testis. This organ, in fact, is a well known bioindicator and it has
already been utilized, for instance, to monitor pollution by heavy metals. In this
preliminary study, we have focussed our attention on Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and
spermatocytes by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Our results point out that the
immunolabelling for Sm antigen, hnRNPs, SC35 and RNA Polymerase II is decreased
in 2 and 5 month-old GM-fed mice, and is restored to normal at 8 months. In GM-fed
mice of all ages considered, the number of perichromatin granules is higher and the
nuclear pore density lower. Moreover, we found enlargements in the smooth
endoplasmic reticulum in GM-fed mice Sertoli cells. A possible role played by traces of
the herbicide to which the soybean is resistant is discussed.
Published European journal of histochemistry : EJH
Volume 48, Issue 4, October 2004, Pages 448-454
Biological effects of transgenic maize fed in long term reproduction studies in mice.
Authors: Dr. A. Velimirov, Dr. C. Binter, Univ. Prof. Dr. J. Zentek
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine effects of the stacked GM crop NK603 x MON810 in different models of long term feeding studies. So far no negative effects of GM corn varieties have been reported in peer-reviewed publications. But the hypothesis, that effects after long term exposure might become evident in
multi-generation studies has rarely been investigated. In this study three designs were used, including a multi-generation study (MGS), a reproductive assessment by continuous breeding (RACB) and a life-term feeding study (LTS), all performed with laboratory mice (strain OF1). The test diets differed only as to the inclusion of 33% NK603 x MON810 corn (GM) versus nonGM corn of a near isogenic line (ISO), both grown under identical conditions in Canada. The MGS also included one group with a non GM corn cultivated in Austria (A REF). All corn varieties used in the MGS and LTS were harvested in 2005, the transgenic and isogenic corn for the RACB were harvested in Canada in 2007. No Austrian corn was used in this case. In the MGS microscopic and ultrastructural investigations were performed to detect changes at the organ and cell level. Gene expression patterns were compared by micro array expression profiles of the intestine as feed-animal interface and by real time PCR. The results of the MGS showed no statistically significant differences concerning parental body mass. The number of females without litters decreased with time
in the GM and ISO group, especially in the 4th generation. In the group fed with A REF corn fewer females were without litters, and accordingly more pups were weaned. The production parameters average litter size and weight as well as number of weaned pups were in favour of the ISO group. These differences were
also seen in the RACB design and were statistically significant in the 3rd and 4th litters. In addition, the inter-individual variability was higher in the GM group as compared to the other groups. The LTS showed no statistically significant differences in the survival of 3 groups of mice fed the different maize varieties.
In the MGS the continuative investigations revealed differences between the GM and ISO groups. The comparison of organ weights did not indicate directed dietary effects, except for kidneys. The electron histological investigation of the cell nuclei revealed differences as to fibrillar centres, dense fibrillar components and the pore density in hepatocytes. This could point to an effect of the GM crop on
metabolic parameters. Immunohistochemistry revealed no systematic differences in CD3, CD20 positive cells and macrophages in gut tissue. The microarrays showed differences between the feeding groups. When the data of both non-GM feeding groups from MGS were combined and compared to the GM feeding
group, the discrimination became more evident. Analyses of metabolic pathways indicated, that the groups differed regarding some important pathways, including interleukin signalling pathway, cholesterol biosynthesis and protein metabolism. Summarizing the findings of this study it can be concluded, that multi-generation
studies, especially based on the RACB design are well suited to reveal differences between feeds. The RACB trial showed time related negative reproductive effects of the GM maize under the given experimental conditions. The RACB trial with its specific design with the repeated use of the parental generation is a demanding biological factor for the maternal organism. Compared to the findings in the RACB trials it can be assumed that the physiological stress was considerably lower in the MGS trial. The trial design of using “new” parental generations instead of continuous breeding with the same generation has to be considered as
being obviously less demanding. This might have masked the impact of dietary factors on reproductive performance. However, this part of the experiment is valuable as such because it underlines the need for different experimental designs for the assessment of dietary effects that have an unknown impact on animals. The outcome of this study suggests that future studies on the safety of GM feed and food should include reproduction studies. Physiological and genomic traits and depending on the nature of the genetic modification proteomic and metabolomic methods might be taken into consideration as additional tools to
A study of GMO corn with ties to breast and prostate cancer!
A novel endocrine-disrupting agent in corn with mitogenic activity in human breast and prostatic cancer cells.
Authors: Barry Markaverich, Shaila Mani, Mary Ann Alejandro, Andrea Mitchell, David Markaverich, Trellis Brown, Claudia Velez-Trippe, Chris Murchison, Bert O'Malley, Robert Faith
Abstract
Housing adult rats on ground corncob bedding impedes male and female mating behavior and causes acyclicity in females. The suppressive effects on ovarian cyclicity are mimicked by a mitogenic agent purified from the ground corncob bedding material (corn mitogen; CM), which stimulates the proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (MCF-7 cells) and ER-negative (MDA-MD-231 cells) breast cancer cells. Purified CM does not compete for [(3)H]estradiol binding to ER or nuclear type II sites, and its effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation are not blocked by the antiestrogen ICI-182,780. These results suggest that the active component is unlikely to be a phytoestrogen, bioflavonoid, mycotoxin, or other known endocrine-disrupting agent that modifies cell growth via ER or type II [(3)H]estradiol binding sites. CM also stimulates the proliferation of PC-3 human prostatic cancer cells in vitro, and the growth rate of PC-3 cell xenografts is accelerated in nude male mice housed on ground corncob as opposed to pure cellulose bedding. Consequently, this endocrine-disrupting agent in ground corncob bedding may influence behavioral and physiologic reproductive response profiles and malignant cell proliferation in experimental animals. Fresh corn (kernels and cob) or corn tortillas also contain CM, indicating that human exposure is likely; consequently, CM and/or related mitogens in corn products may influence human health and development.
GMO Corn and Organ Failure Study
Here is a study regarding 3 of Monsanto's GMO corn varieties and the astounding health effects revealed.
I would also like to include Monsanto's response as well as the response of The IJBS study's author Gilled-Eric Seralini.
Abstract
We present for the first time a comparative analysis of blood and organ system data from trials with rats fed three main commercialized genetically modified (GM) maize (NK 603, MON 810, MON 863), which are present in food and feed in the world. NK 603 has been modified to be tolerant to the broad spectrum herbicide Roundup and thus contains residues of this formulation. MON 810 and MON 863 are engineered to synthesize two different Bt toxins used as insecticides. Approximately 60 different biochemical parameters were classified per organ and measured in serum and urine after 5 and 14 weeks of feeding. GM maize-fed rats were compared first to their respective isogenic or parental non-GM equivalent control groups. This was followed by comparison to six reference groups, which had consumed various other non-GM maize varieties. We applied nonparametric methods, including multiple pairwise comparisons with a False Discovery Rate approach. Principal Component Analysis allowed the investigation of scattering of different factors (sex, weeks of feeding, diet, dose and group). Our analysis clearly reveals for the 3 GMOs new side effects linked with GM maize consumption, which were sex- and often dose-dependent. Effects were mostly associated with the kidney and liver, the dietary detoxifying organs, although different between the 3 GMOs. Other effects were also noticed in the heart, adrenal glands, spleen and haematopoietic system. We conclude that these data highlight signs of hepatorenal toxicity, possibly due to the new pesticides specific to each GM corn. In addition, unintended direct or indirect metabolic consequences of the genetic modification cannot be excluded.
Monsanto quickly replied by stating the research is: "based on faulty analytical methods and reasoning and do not call into question the safety findings for these products."
Seralini responded "Our study contradicts Monsanto conclusions because Monsanto systematically neglects significant health effects in mammals that are different in males and females eating GMOs, or not proportional to the dose. This is a very serious mistake, dramatic for public health. This is the major conclusion revealed by our work, the only careful reanalysis of Monsanto crude statistical data."
We all have seen Monsanto's crude 90 day studies which rarely are long enough to produce accurate results and despite what Monsanto say's this strongly puts into question there research tactics and most certainly calls into question the safety findings of these products.
Pesticide Use Increases as GMO Technology Backfires - Study
So how can this be if Monsanto claims there crops require less herbicides and pesticides why is it then that the numbers are in fact increasing and increasing the health risks associated right along with it. Well here is what is happening.
Scientists have been warning the use of these roundup ready crops and crops that produce there own insecticides do only one thing force weeds to adapt quickly and that is what we are seeing happen. Super weeds that simply can't be killed off by modern herbicides and insects that don't die from insecticide.
So far the impact has been huge not only do the statistics in the increase of herbicides and pesticides shatter the claims of Monsanto that their crops require less spraying it's forced farmers to use even more roundup and outdated herbicides and pesticides that are more toxic including 2,4-D an ingredient in agent orange.
On an interesting side note does it make sense for a company to develop a product (Roundup Ready Seed) that will reduce the amount of the use of the product (Roundup) owned by the same company? No not really but it does make sense to sell a (Roundup Ready Seed ) that requires and simply tolerates larger quantities of (Roundup). That is exactly what we are seeing and here is a link to the full study that shows the impact and acceleration of herbicide and pesticide use since the introduction of these GMO crops.
Research
Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S. -- the first sixteen years
Abstract (provisional)
Background
Results
Conclusions
Full study text available here!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Sodium Sulfite what you need to know!
Sodium Sulfite also known as Sodium Bi-sulfite and sodium hydrogen sulfite might have negative health effects for some people. At this point it is regarded as generally safe by the FDA. There have been several studies done and they show that generally even in high doses it does not cause cancer and has tested negative for being mutagenic so what's the fuss?
Well there is a definite catch for certain people and this is medically acknowledged sensitivity and allergy to sulfite based chemicals. Some of these side effects if sulfites are ingested by sensitive or allergic individuals are dermatological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms, including nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and the swelling, itching and reddening of the skin. Ouch!
Sulfite sensitivity includes less that 1% of the population and reactions usually occur within 15-30 minutes so if you experience these symptoms take a look at what you have eaten and if it includes sulfites.
Foods that tend to include sulfites are almost every bottle of wine you can get your hands on, dehydrated fruits and vegetables primarily potatoes and apples. It is also used to lock in the aroma and juices such and lemon and lime and is heavily used to can fruits being used as a preservative and to prevent browning (oxidization).
There are studies out there that are also linking asthma to sulfites but it is to early to tell and there just is not enough research at this point. It should be known there is a definitive link to triggering asthmatic attacks in certain sensitive asthmatics. So the jury is out do sulfites cause asthma? Are asthmatics simply more prone to sensitivity? There are a few claims regarding cancer as well.
Until more research is concluded it's advisable to avoid it in large quantities certainly if you have sensitivity or allergic symptoms and use extra caution if you are an asthma sufferer. Don't forget that glass of wine while it might contain Sulfites also packs a punch full of macro-nutrients that can help stave off certain cancers.
This is your brain on sugar: UCLA study shows high-fructose diet sabotages learning, memory
A study out of the UCLA news room shows Hi-Fructose Corn Syrup can make you dumber in just 6 weeks. This backs allot of research showing an increased risk of memory related problems including Alzheimers. It also discussess insulin related issues arose which backs research regarding diabetes and early onset diabetes not to mention shutting down your fat burning regulatory system which simply increases your fat stores making it increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
This is your brain on sugar!
This is your brain on sugar!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Do you know what to look for in a label?
Right now labeling laws as most would agree are really loose. It's hard to avoid GMO's when there is no label so here is a little help and I will go into more detail on the various laws in effect and those we are fighting to get in effect in another article.
This one is pretty simple you see the USDA Organic Label on a product and for the most part you can rest soundly knowing your eating food that has not been sprayed with pesticides. Unfortunately 30% of organics tested in recent studies have shown to be infact GMO and not organic at all. This is largely due to biological contamination of neighboring farms using GMO crops. Keep an eye on this as there is some legislation under work right now to redefine what organic means. I will keep everyone up to date as news develops.
This is something new it's not a government required label however I have seen manufacturers add similar labeling look for the words "Non GMO" and "GMO Free" Hopefully we will see legislation actually catch up and start requiring GMO labeling. Be prepared an estimated 70% of what is in your supermarket is, contains or includes animal products that have been feed GMO's.
This is an excellent image to help you through the produce section. Just take a look at the image above a 5 digit code starting with a 9 means its organic, a 5 digit code code starting with 8 is GMO and a 4 digit code means it's conventional and contains pesticides. So certainly avoid those 8's avoid 4's when possible and make sure to wash them thuroughly. Your best bet is to look for those 9's.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Find Blue No.2 is Toxic
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies ofHC Blue No.2 (approximately 98% pure), a semipermanent
hair dye, were conducted by administering the test chemical in feed for 103 weeks to groups of 50
F3441N rats of each sex and for 104 weeks to groups of 50 B6C3F 1 mice of each sex. The dietary con
centrations used were 0, 5,000, or 10,000 ppm for male rats and male mice and 0, 10,000, or 20,000
ppm for female rats and female mice. These concentrations were selected on the basis of results from
single-administration gavage and 14-day and 13-week feed studies. For the 2-year studies, the
average daily doses were approximately 195 and 390 mg!kg in male rats, 465 and 1,000 mglkg in
female rats, 1,320 and 2,240 mglkg in male mice, and 2,330 and 5,600 mg/kg in female mice.
The survival ofhigh dose male rats and male mice was better than that for controls, and the survival
ofdosed female rats was comparable to that of the controls. The survival of high dose female mice was
reduced (P<0.05) relative to that of the controls (control, 35/50; low dose, 27/50; high dose 19/50); this
reduced survival was attributed to a reproductive tract infection. Final mean body weights relative
to those ofthe controls were depressed less than 10% in dosed male rats, whereas depressions of 13%
and 22% were observed in the low dose and high dose groups of female rats. Final mean body weights
for dosed male mice were within 5% ofcontrol values, but final mean body weights for dosed females
were 15% (low dose) and 22% (high dose) lower than that of controls.
A dose-related increase in the incidence of hyperostosis of the skull was detected in rats (male, 5/50,
8150, 25/49; female, 2/50, 19/50, 49/50) and in 1149 high dose male and 4/50 high dose female mice.
Mixed mesenchymal neoplasms of the kidney were detected in 2150 high dose female rats; none was
observed in any other group offemale or male rats. This tumor is considered uncommon and has not
been found in 1,863 historical control female F344/N rats. A negative trend in fibroadenomas of the
mammary gland was seen in female rats (20/50, 10/50, 4/50).
A marginal (P=0.05) positive trend occurred in the inci,dence oflymphomas in male mice (1150; 5/48;
8149); the incidences in the dosed groups were not significantly greater than that in the controls when
survival differences were taken into account.
Full Text Available Here!
Assessment of chemical factors in relation to child hyperactivity.
Assessment of chemical factors in relation to child hyperactivity.
Author: Ward NI
ICP-MS Facility, Dep. Chem., Univ. Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XH, UK.
A questionnaire evaluation of 486 hyperactive children (HA) (82% boys, aged 7-13 years and 18% girls, aged 8-13 years) showed that more than 60% of cases reported a positive behavioural response (i.e. increased problems) in relation to consuming or being exposed to synthetic colourings and flavourings, food and beverage preservatives, cow's milk and associated products, chemical detergents and perfume. In contrast, 172 sex- and age-matched control children (C) reported only 12% of cases responding to synthetic colourings and flavourings and chemical solvents. The main health problems reported by the 96% of hyperactive children affected by synthetic colourings and flavourings were persistent thirst problems, the development of eczema, ear and/or chest infections, and the production of excessive amounts of catarrh. Trace element measurements undertaken by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that a low zinc and iron status is associated with hyperactive children when compared with control children for blood serum, urine and washed scalp hair (HA < C). In many cases, hyperactive children also had very highly significant raised levels of aluminium, cadmium and/or lead (HA > C), particularly in urine and washed scalp hair samples. Hyperactive children with a known behavioural response following the consumption of a beverage containing tartrazine, E102 (n = 23), sunset yellow, E110 (n = 12) and amaranth, E123 (n = 12) were given a dose of chemical food colour (50 mg) and their zinc levels (blood serum and urine) and behavioural activity were monitored for 120 min. A sex- and age-matched control group was also studied. Only hyperactive children showed a significant reduction in blood serum zinc levels and an increase in urinary zinc output following the consumption of E102 and E110. Amaranth had no effect on their zinc status over the study time period. There were no significant changes in the zinc levels for control children for all three chemical food colours. The main behavioural changes were observed in the hyperactive children given E102 and E110. For the 23 children who consumed a tartrazine beverage there were increased levels of overactivity (n = 18 children), aggressive (n = 16) and/or violent (n = 4) activity, poor speech (n = 2), poor coordination (n = 12), and the development of asthma and/or eczema (n = 8). Most of these were severe or moderate changes. Only one control child showed minor behavioural responses to tartrazine.
Source : JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE (ABINGDON); 7 (4). 1997. 333-342.
(I will continue to look for an online source of the full text)
Author: Ward NI
ICP-MS Facility, Dep. Chem., Univ. Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5XH, UK.
A questionnaire evaluation of 486 hyperactive children (HA) (82% boys, aged 7-13 years and 18% girls, aged 8-13 years) showed that more than 60% of cases reported a positive behavioural response (i.e. increased problems) in relation to consuming or being exposed to synthetic colourings and flavourings, food and beverage preservatives, cow's milk and associated products, chemical detergents and perfume. In contrast, 172 sex- and age-matched control children (C) reported only 12% of cases responding to synthetic colourings and flavourings and chemical solvents. The main health problems reported by the 96% of hyperactive children affected by synthetic colourings and flavourings were persistent thirst problems, the development of eczema, ear and/or chest infections, and the production of excessive amounts of catarrh. Trace element measurements undertaken by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that a low zinc and iron status is associated with hyperactive children when compared with control children for blood serum, urine and washed scalp hair (HA < C). In many cases, hyperactive children also had very highly significant raised levels of aluminium, cadmium and/or lead (HA > C), particularly in urine and washed scalp hair samples. Hyperactive children with a known behavioural response following the consumption of a beverage containing tartrazine, E102 (n = 23), sunset yellow, E110 (n = 12) and amaranth, E123 (n = 12) were given a dose of chemical food colour (50 mg) and their zinc levels (blood serum and urine) and behavioural activity were monitored for 120 min. A sex- and age-matched control group was also studied. Only hyperactive children showed a significant reduction in blood serum zinc levels and an increase in urinary zinc output following the consumption of E102 and E110. Amaranth had no effect on their zinc status over the study time period. There were no significant changes in the zinc levels for control children for all three chemical food colours. The main behavioural changes were observed in the hyperactive children given E102 and E110. For the 23 children who consumed a tartrazine beverage there were increased levels of overactivity (n = 18 children), aggressive (n = 16) and/or violent (n = 4) activity, poor speech (n = 2), poor coordination (n = 12), and the development of asthma and/or eczema (n = 8). Most of these were severe or moderate changes. Only one control child showed minor behavioural responses to tartrazine.
Source : JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE (ABINGDON); 7 (4). 1997. 333-342.
(I will continue to look for an online source of the full text)
The influence of the chemical additive tartrazine on the zinc status of hyperactive children: A double-blind placebo-controlled study.
The influence of the chemical additive tartrazine on the zinc status of hyperactive children: A double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Dep. Chem., Univ. Surrey, Guildford GU2 5XH, UK
| AUTHORS: | WARD NI; SOULSBURY KA; ZETTEL VH; COLQUHOUN ID; BUNDAY S; BARNES B |
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Twenty hyperactive male children were assessed for zinc status and compared with 20 age-matched controls, and a double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effect of the chemical additive tartrazine (E102) on the zinc status of 10 hyperactive males versus 10 age-matched controls is reported. Analysis of tartrazine in commercial orange beverages was performed by high performance liquid chromatography using a reverse-phase ion-pair system. The influence of tartrazine upon zinc status of blood sera, washed scalp hair, urine, saliva and fingernails of hyperactive and control children is assessed. Zinc measurements were undertaken by inductively-coupled plasma-source mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The tartrazine content of various commercial orange beverages ranged from 0.58-4.16 mug ml-1. Low zinc status is associated with the hyperactive compared with control for urine (p < 0.001), scalp hair (p < 0.001), serum (p < 0.01), 24-hour urine (p < 0.01) and fingernails (p < 0.01). Saliva showed no statistically significant difference. Tartrazine induces a reduction in serum and saliva zinc concentrations and an increase in urinary zinc content with a corresponding deterioration in behaviour/emotional responses of the hyperactive children but not the controls.
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Controlled Trial of Oligoantigenic Treatment in the Hyperkinetic Syndrome
Controlled Trial of Oligoantigenic Treatment in the Hyperkinetic Syndrome
Authors: Egger J, Carter CM, Graham PJ, Gumley D, Soothill JF
Authors: Egger J, Carter CM, Graham PJ, Gumley D, Soothill JF
Abstract
76 selected overactive children were treated with an oligoantigenic diet, 62 improved, and a normal range of behaviour was achieved in 21 of these. Other symptoms, such as headaches, abdominal pain, and fits, also often improved. 28 of the children who improved completed a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial in which foods thought to provoke symptoms were reintroduced. Symptoms returned or were exacerbated much more often when patients were on active material than on placebo. 48 foods were incriminated. Artificial colorants (Yellow No. 5) and preservatives were the commonest provoking substances, but no child was sensitive to these alone.
Synthetic Food Coloring and Behavior: A Dose Response Effect in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Repeated-Measures Study
Synthetic Food Coloring and Behavior: A Dose Response Effect in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Repeated-Measures Study
Authors: Rowe KS, Rowe KJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Authors: Rowe KS, Rowe KJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To establish whether there is an association between the ingestion of synthetic food colorings and behavioral change in children referred for assessment of "hyperactivity."
PARTICIPANTS:
From approximately 800 children referred to the Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne) for assessment of suspected hyperactivity, 200 were included in a 6-week open trial of a diet free of synthetic food coloring. The parents of 150 children reported behavioral improvement with the diet, and deterioration on the introduction of foods noted to contain synthetic coloring. A 30-item behavioral rating inventory was devised from an examination of the clinical histories of 50 suspected reactors. Thirty-four other children (23 suspected reactors, 11 uncertain reactors) and 20 control subjects, aged 2 to 14 years, were studied.
DESIGN:
A 21-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures study used each child as his or her own control. Placebo, or one of six dose levels of tartrazine (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 mg), was administered randomly each morning, and behavioral ratings were recorded by parents at the end of each 24 hours.
RESULTS:
The study identified 24 children as clear reactors (19 of 23 "suspected reactors," 3 of 11 "uncertain reactors," and 2 of 20 "control subjects"). They were irritable and restless and had sleep disturbance. Significant reactions were observed at all six dose levels. A dose response effect was obtained. With a dose increase greater than 10 mg, the duration of effect was prolonged.
CONCLUSION:
Behavioral changes in irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbance are associated with the ingestion of tartrazine in some children. A dose response effect was observed.
Reproductive and neurobehavioral effects of Sunset Yellow FCF administered to mice in their diet.
Reproductive and neurobehavioral effects of Sunset Yellow FCF administered to mice in their diet.
Author: Tanaka T
Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan.
Author: Tanaka T
Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan.
Abstract
Selected reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were measured in mice given the color additive Sunset Yellow FCF in the diet. The additive was given at levels of 0 (control), 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60%, from five weeks of age in the F0 generation to nine weeks of age in the F1 generation. There were few adverse effects on litter size, weight, or sex ratio. Average body weight of offspring during the late lactation period was significantly increased in the low- and middle-dose groups of each sex. In the neurobehavioral parameters, swimming direction was significantly affected in a dose-related manner in male and female offspring during the early lactation period. Also in the early lactation period, surface righting and negative geotaxis were significantly affected in male offspring in the middle-dose group, and swimming head angle was significantly affected in female offspring in a dose-related manner. The dose levels of Sunset Yellow FCF in this study did produce some adverse effects in reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters.
(Again my source for the full text has vanished it's as if Tanaka's studies are disappearing I will find a source and update as soon as possible)
Immumological aspects of the common food colorants, amaranth and tartrazine.
Immumological aspects of the common food colorants, amaranth and tartrazine.
Authors: Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Maravelias C, Methenitou G, Koutselinis A
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
Authors: Koutsogeorgopoulou L, Maravelias C, Methenitou G, Koutselinis A
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
We describe a sensitive and reproducible microassay model using human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) for discrimination between the cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects of food colorants such as amaranth and tartrazine. The cytotoxic effects of a wide range of concentrations of these substances were studied on human PBL by the colorimetric in vitro cytotoxicity assays, neutral red uptake (NR) and thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The immunotoxic properties of these 2 substances were determined by a [3H]-thymidine DNA incorporation assay on phytohemagglutinin stimulated or non-stimulated lymphocytes, as well as by a Cr51 release Natural Killer assays. The results showed clear immunosuppressive effects from the 2 substances tested, although the concentrations chosen for this study proved to be non-cytotoxic by NR and MTT cytotoxic endpoints.
(Unfortunately the source for the full text I had is no longer valid I will continue to search for a new one and update this as soon as I can)
Reproductive and neurobehavioural toxicity study of tartrazine administered to mice in the diet.
Reproductive and neurobehavioural toxicity study of tartrazine administered to mice in the diet.
Author: Tanaka T
Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan. t-tanaka@poohlover.net
"Tartrazine was given in the diet . . . and selected reproductive and neurobehavioural parameters were measured. In movement activity of exploratory behaviour in the F(0) generation, number of vertical activity was significantly increased...The average body weight . . .was significantly increased . . . In behavioural developmental parameters, surface righting . . . was significantly accelerated . . . Cliff avoidance at PND 7 was significantly accelerated . . . Negative geotaxis at PND 4 was significantly delayed . . . number of movement showed a significant tendency to be affected . . . Nevertheless, . . . the actual dietary intake of tartrazine is presumed to be much lower. It would therefore appear that the levels of actual dietary intake of tartrazine is unlikely to produce any adverse effects in humans."
I have to say the fact that Tanaka decided there would be no adverse effects in humans despite what happened
to the mice due to the fact that people would simply eat less is absurd. Tanaka has done some great studies in the past as is this one his conclusion however is well..... Ignorant.
Full Text Available Here!
Author: Tanaka T
Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, 3-24-1, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0073, Japan. t-tanaka@poohlover.net
"Tartrazine was given in the diet . . . and selected reproductive and neurobehavioural parameters were measured. In movement activity of exploratory behaviour in the F(0) generation, number of vertical activity was significantly increased...The average body weight . . .was significantly increased . . . In behavioural developmental parameters, surface righting . . . was significantly accelerated . . . Cliff avoidance at PND 7 was significantly accelerated . . . Negative geotaxis at PND 4 was significantly delayed . . . number of movement showed a significant tendency to be affected . . . Nevertheless, . . . the actual dietary intake of tartrazine is presumed to be much lower. It would therefore appear that the levels of actual dietary intake of tartrazine is unlikely to produce any adverse effects in humans."
I have to say the fact that Tanaka decided there would be no adverse effects in humans despite what happened
to the mice due to the fact that people would simply eat less is absurd. Tanaka has done some great studies in the past as is this one his conclusion however is well..... Ignorant.
Full Text Available Here!
Systemic Absorption of Food Dye in Patients with Sepsis
Systemic Absorption of Food Dye in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Maloney JP, Halbower AC, Fouty BF, Fagan KA, Balasubramaniam V, Pike AW, Fennessey PV, Moss M
" Autopsies of both patients revealed green or blue discoloration of the skin and internal organs, without gastrointestinal perforation. . . Blue dye no. 1, . . . reduces oxygen consumption by a factor of eight in mitochondrial preparations in vitro. . . . Although both patients had serious underlying illnesses, their condition was improving before they received the dye and turned color. . . .We encourage judicious use of this food dye in patients with sepsis or other illnesses associated with increased gastrointestinal permeability. "
Full Text Available Here!
Authors: Maloney JP, Halbower AC, Fouty BF, Fagan KA, Balasubramaniam V, Pike AW, Fennessey PV, Moss M
" Autopsies of both patients revealed green or blue discoloration of the skin and internal organs, without gastrointestinal perforation. . . Blue dye no. 1, . . . reduces oxygen consumption by a factor of eight in mitochondrial preparations in vitro. . . . Although both patients had serious underlying illnesses, their condition was improving before they received the dye and turned color. . . .We encourage judicious use of this food dye in patients with sepsis or other illnesses associated with increased gastrointestinal permeability. "
Full Text Available Here!
Green colon: an unusual appearance at autopsy.
Green colon: an unusual appearance at autopsy.
Authors: Boutilier RG, Murray SK, Walley VM
Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
"Following ingestion of the water-soluble dye, it is apparently concentrated in the colon, the site of water reabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The concentration in the large bowel wall likely varies, depending on the amount administered. In any circumstance, it appears that the clinical use of this dye has a pathologic correlate at autopsy. "
Full Text Available Here!
Authors: Boutilier RG, Murray SK, Walley VM
Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
"Following ingestion of the water-soluble dye, it is apparently concentrated in the colon, the site of water reabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The concentration in the large bowel wall likely varies, depending on the amount administered. In any circumstance, it appears that the clinical use of this dye has a pathologic correlate at autopsy. "
Full Text Available Here!
Blue colon at autopsy - Blue No. 1
Blue colon at autopsy.
Authors: Granville LA, Finch C
"FD&C Blue No. 1 was hypothesized to have caused refractory hypotension and metabolic acidosis in 2 patients who died. The Food and Drug Administration approved the blue food coloring based on experiments performed on healthy animals, which demonstrated the dye to be nonabsorbable. Now there are case reports of humans in which the dye may have been absorbed."
Full Text Available Here!
Authors: Granville LA, Finch C
"FD&C Blue No. 1 was hypothesized to have caused refractory hypotension and metabolic acidosis in 2 patients who died. The Food and Drug Administration approved the blue food coloring based on experiments performed on healthy animals, which demonstrated the dye to be nonabsorbable. Now there are case reports of humans in which the dye may have been absorbed."
Full Text Available Here!
2003: FDA Public Health Advisory: Reports of Blue Discoloration and Death in Patients Receiving Enteral Feedings Tinted With The Dye, FD&C Blue No. 1
2003: FDA Public Health Advisory: Reports of Blue Discoloration and Death in Patients Receiving Enteral Feedings Tinted With The Dye, FD&C Blue No. 1
Please note this is available on the FDA's website as this was issued by the FDA.
Full Text Available Here!
Dear Health Care Professional:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would like you to be aware of several reports of toxicity, including death, temporally associated with the use of FD&C Blue No. 1 (Blue 1) in enteral feeding solutions. In these reports, Blue 1 was intended to help in the detection and/or monitoring of pulmonary aspiration in patients being fed by an enteral feeding tube. Reported episodes were manifested by blue discoloration of the skin, urine, feces, or serum and some were associated with serious complications such as refractory hypotension, metabolic acidosis and death. Case reports indicate that seriously ill patients, particularly those with a likely increase in gut permeability (e.g., patients with sepsis), may be at greater risk for these complications. Because these events were reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, it is not possible to establish the incidence of these episodes.
Please note this is available on the FDA's website as this was issued by the FDA.
Full Text Available Here!
Toxicity of Food Drug and Cosmetic Blue No. 1 dye in critically ill patients.
Toxicity of Food Drug and Cosmetic Blue No. 1 dye in critically ill patients.
Authors: Lucarelli MR, Shirk MB, Julian MW, Crouser ED
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, The Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 473 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1252, USA.
Abstract
Food Drug and Cosmetic Blue No. 1 dye (FD&C Blue No. 1) is commonly added to enteral nutrition formulations in order to facilitate the detection of gastric aspirate in tracheal secretions of critically ill patients. However, reports of systemic blue dye absorption and associated adverse outcomes are emerging. We report two cases of abnormal systemic absorption of FD&C Blue No. 1 in critically ill patients who subsequently died of refractory shock and metabolic acidosis. Risk factors and mechanisms of FD&C Blue No. 1 toxicity are discussed, and alternate approaches to gastric aspiration detection in critically ill patients are considered.
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