Do you do the Dew? You might wanna file that under “health
don’ts”, dearie, ‘cause the word on the street is that the soda has a
surprising ingredient (um, other than
mass quantities of caffeine, of course): brominated vegetable oil, otherwise
known as BVO, according to
Environmental Health News.
In addition to its use in 10-percent of popular sodas in the
U.S., the chemical is also used by manufacturers as a flame retardant in
furniture cushions. Yum, right? BVO is banned in Europe and Japan, but for some
unknown reason, the American FDA thinks this chemical is totally safe for
consumption.
However, a recent study suggests that ingestion of BVO can
cause skin lesions, memory loss, severe stomach problems and nerve disorders.
And scientists don’t think it’s too far-fetched to assert that many folks,
notable Dew-guzzling gamers, are getting toxic levels of BVO daily.
Though groups are lobbying the FDA to reconsider its stance
on BVO, legislation prohibiting its use in beverages has not been passed.
Lesson of the day: Before you pick up the can of Fanta, Sunkist or Fresca (or a
bottle of Gatorade or Powerade…), check the nutrition label for brominated
vegetable oil.
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 12/22/2011 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN disease, nutrition