Contents
E320 (butylated hydroxyanisole) is an additive from the food category, the main purpose of which is the process of inhibiting oxidation processes. In order to designate the E320, the abbreviation BHA is often used.
E320 does not refer to single-component food additives, but to complex ones, since it includes two terms (both are compounds of the organic type): 3 – tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and 2 – tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (each other isomers). Butylated hydroxyanisole is produced through the use of isobutylene and 4-methoxyphenol.
This dietary supplement has the following formula: C11Н16О2. If we consider the physical properties of E320, it can be noted that it is a solid waxy substance, to be more precise, white-yellow, yellow or white waxy flakes with a pink tint, or crystals with a barely noticeable odor. The main substance in the composition of the additive is ninety-eight and a half percent. The density of VNA is 1,0587 grams per cubic centimeter. The additive does not dissolve in ordinary water, it can be dissolved with oils, fats, propylene glycol, in other words, in low-polar or non-polar solvents.
Synthetic additive in large quantities has an increased level of danger.
Among the most common names can be found: E321, VNT, BOA.
Application in the food industry
E320 is actively used in the food production process as an antioxidant or preservative. The oxidation period of various products adversely affects the smell, color and taste, therefore, the additive allows you to keep the product fresh and usable for a longer period of time. One of the positive aspects of VHA is its antimicrobial (albeit minor) properties.
BHA is added during the preparation of chips, confectionery containing fruits and creams, chocolate, cocoa, chewing pads and caramels, beer, bakery and pasta, butter, meat products, etc.
It should be noted that this additive can be found not only in the food industry, but also in medicine (used as simvastatin, lovastatin, isotretinoin).
It should be noted that when combined with citric acid, the action of BAA increases, therefore, these two additives are more often used in combination.
Applications
This preservative is most often found in the food industry, and the additive is also used in the process of impregnating packages for perishable products. Also used in medicine and cosmetology, animal feed, in the chemical industry (in petroleum products, rubber production). The additive allows you to save the color, taste of any product.
Benefit and harm
E320 refers to additives of synthetic origin, and does not carry any biological value. To date, the full effect of the preservative on the human body is uncertain. Some scientists believe that it is VHA that will help cure cancer and AIDS, as well as suppress the spread of the herpes virus in the body. Some scientists have put forward the hypothesis that the additive interacts with nitrates, which, in turn, can provoke cell DNA mutations, which can provoke the development of malignant neoplasms.
But both groups of scientists came to a common opinion that the use of additives in minimal dosages cannot provoke serious violations of the functioning of human organs. The use of a large amount of E320 can provoke serious disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, liver, kidneys, can provoke serious allergic manifestations, up to eczema and deep wounds.
Based on the warnings of manufacturers, it is important to note that butylhydroxyanisole actively increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. An agent with toxic and carcinogenic properties, therefore, it is not recommended to abuse this synthetic substance.
The maximum safe daily allowance is half a milligram per kilogram of body weight.
Contraindications for use
Products containing butylhydroxyanisole should absolutely not be used and consumed by people with cardiovascular problems, regardless of severity. This product is also contraindicated in early childhood and adolescence. It is necessary to carefully choose cosmetics, hygiene products (especially hygienic lipsticks and creams) and products for women during pregnancy, during pregnancy planning and during lactation.
Approvals for use
At the moment, the use of butylhydroxyanisole in the production is allowed on the territory of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. In many countries of the EU and the world, this synthetic additive is strictly prohibited from use.
Form of issue
Butylated hydroxyanisole is supplied in cardboard drums of twenty-five kilograms. Each carton drum has a high density polyethylene bag inside.
Main producers
Among the manufacturers of this synthetic additive, it is worth noting the company Mona Ingredients (St. Petersburg), which in its work uses exclusively imported raw materials, and is also famous for the high quality of its products.
But, on the Russian and Ukrainian markets, Chinese products are more represented. The E320 is mainly produced in Shanghai by the Honghao company.
You can buy through online stores products of the Dutch company Merck KGaA, which has been supplying the market with high-quality chemical raw materials for many years, and has managed to establish itself at a high level around the world.
It is worth noting that in the production process, manufacturers use the additive in minimal dosages, and it is extremely difficult to get an overdose or harm from it, but still, during the product selection period, you should pay attention to the composition.