Butylated hydroxytoluene is a dietary supplement that is very similar to vitamin E. It is used to slow down oxidation processes, that is, as an antioxidant. Externally, the substance has the following properties: white crystalline powder, which is poorly soluble in water, but has fat-soluble properties.
It should be noted that the additive is moderately soluble in alcohol and oil, while it has an uncharacteristic odor.
The technical name of the food additive is ionol. The E321 additive is obtained as a result of the chemical combination of isobutylene with paracresol. It is a known fact that phytoplankton, green algae and certain cyanobacteria can naturally produce butylated hydroxytoluene. It is also important that the additive remains stable at high temperatures.
The effect of the supplement on the body
Many countries of the world have long refused and banned the use of the E321 additive in the food industry. It is worth noting that in those countries where butylated hydroxytoluene is not banned, it is still replaced with the E320 additive.
The food additive butylated hydroxytoluene is a carcinogen that can cause cancer. There is also an opinion that E321 has the strongest antiviral effect when combined with vitamin C or L-lysine. That is, this substance is able to fight even with the herpes virus.
At the same time, it is important to remember that it is necessary to observe the permissible dose of the additive – 0,125 mg / kg of human weight. Also, you can not use E321 for a long time, as the consequences can be very unpleasant. Back in the 1970s, this additive was replaced by the E320 in many countries around the world. The reason for this decision was a sharp increase in the development of cancer in humans and a noticeable hyperactivity in children. Because of this, discussions are ongoing between scientists to this day. Additive E321 can cause serious hormonal disorders.
The substance dibunol is able to mimic the hormonal actions of estrogen and suppress the male sex hormone. This can lead to reproductive dysfunction in men.
Also, some scientists have proven the fact that the supplement can harm the liver, as it is not metabolized, and because of this, toxins accumulate in the body.
In addition, earlier butylated hydroxytoluene was used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-burn agent, and even in the treatment of cancer.
Applications in the food and cosmetic industry
The main function of butylated hydroxytoluene is an antioxidant. This substance is used in the cosmetic industry as a preservative. This is especially true for lipsticks and various moisturizers.
Sources of harmful oxidation products in the food industry are oils and fats. Oxidation occurs with the help of atmospheric oxygen with the formation of toxic compounds – peroxides.
Peroxides have a very unpleasant and bitter taste, and the addition of E321 is able to suppress this process. Oils similar to sunflower are most exposed to a similar process.
The list of products that may contain the E321 additive is huge: various cereals, flour products, chewing gums, chips, lard, butter, canned food, beer and much more.
It is worth noting that the E321 additive is also used in other areas: it is added to some medicines, jet fuel. It can also be found in rubber and petroleum products.
In medicine, in addition to external use for the treatment of inflammation and burns, the additive is also used for radiation and trophic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes.