Demand for Synthetic Antioxidants Is Growing Due To Its Variety of Applications in the Number of Industries

 

An antioxidant is a substance that increases in activity when certain conditions are met. Some of these include the presence of free radicals, the absence of certain vitamins or enzymes, or the presence of heavy metals such as lead. Synthetic antioxidants are used in the products such as pet care food, animal feed and nutrition, food and beverages, and others to prevent the product from spoiling. Some of the most referenced synthetic antioxidants are tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), propyl gallate (PG), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).

In processed foods, synthetic antioxidants are usually added to give them color, flavor, or other enhancements. An antioxidant can be considered a substance that prolongs the shelf life of certain foods by preventing oxidation, thus preventing spoilage. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has categorized these food antioxidants (such as BHT and BHA) as generally recognized as safe, which means that they are widely considered safe for their intended use in specified quantities. However, FDA has deemed some butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole not safe for consumption.

Synthetic antioxidants are also known to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Researchers found that men who had a higher intake of BHA and BHT had an increased risk of prostate cancer. The risk was even higher in men who used prescription drugs containing these ingredients. Moreover, other research suggests that low doses of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are toxic to cells, while high doses are protective (or reverse), low doses are fine, but high doses are harmful. However, no one really knows how BHA and BHT act in the human body.

Manufacturers use synthetic antioxidants to increase the shelf life of the products they offer. They are either useful in preventing the food spoilage or delaying it for a particular period. There is a growing demand for synthetic antioxidants due to its variety of applications in the number of industries, such as pharmaceutical, plastic, cosmetics, and polymer industry. In November 2020, researchers from Kumamoto University in Japan developed a system to quickly and easily measure the antioxidant capacity of food. The new method of testing could lead to an increase in value for some foods, and help dictate best practice when it comes to cultivation and production.