Artificial Preservatives
Preservatives are used to keep supplements on the shelf longer. Artificial or synthetic preservatives can have negative effects on the body and are possibly carcinogenic. At KidStar we use citric acid (occurs naturally in citrus fruits), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E, or spirulina as preservatives.
What to Avoid
Beta hydroxy acid (BHA)
Can hinder the body’s ability to clot blood and is a potential allergen. Possible endocrine disrupter. Some studies suggest it may cause cancer in animals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen (cancer causing agent).”
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Possible endocrine disrupter found to be toxic to rodents, causing liver, kidney, and thyroid issues. BHT is a potential allergen.
Tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
Causes tumor growth, is neurotoxic (toxic to the nervous system) and can cause liver enlargement.
Sodium Benzoates
Can convert into cancer causing compound (benzene) when combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and sunlight. Linked to allergies, ADHD, and inflammation.
Glycols (propylene glycol)
Used as a preservative, thickener, stabilizer, sweetener, and anti-freeze in both supplements and pharmaceutical medications. Toxicity can occur and cause diabetic complications, heart problems, central nervous system toxicity, and seizures. Children, women, and those with epilepsy or liver/kidney issues are at an increased risk of toxicity because they have lower levels of an enzyme needed to breakdown propylene glycol. Patients receiving high amounts of treatments containing propylene glycol on their skin are also at an increase risk,
Propyl gallate
Possible endocrine disruptor – chemicals that can interfere with hormone balance, for example by increasing estrogen levels.
Sulfites
May cause headaches, asthma, hives, and stomach pain in those who are sensitive.