Latest research: More than 1,200 foods in the United States may damage the immune system

Reporter : Li Zhaoxi / Editor : Yun Tao / https://www.ntdtv.com/gb/2021/04/03/a103088066.html / Direct translation

Image : On February 19, 2014, Pop-Tarts produced by Kellogg, the second largest cereal breakfast manufacturer in the United States, were placed on the shelves of Metropolitan Citymarket in New York. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

During the pandemic, people began to pay attention to how to enhance immunity. The latest study showed that chemicals found in more than 1,200 popular foods in the United States may damage people's immune system.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) of the United States on March 24, two compounds have been found in more than 1,200 foods sold in the United States, tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) and perfluoro/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

TBHQ is a preservative that can be found in many well-known food brands, including Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats and Cheez-Its from Kellogg, the second largest cereal breakfast manufacturer in the United States. PFAS is usually used to make non-stick linings in food packaging, such as aluminum cans, pizza boxes and popcorn bags, etc., and may penetrate into the food in the package.

EWG researchers conducted the assessment based on data compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxicity Forecaster. Data shows that, based on animal and in vitro (non-animal) tests, TBHQ, which has been used for decades to extend the shelf life of processed foods, may damage the immune system.

In a statement, Dr. Olga Naidenko, EWG's vice president of scientific investigations, said that poor diet may have contributed to the severity of the virus outbreak.

Previous studies have shown that TBHQ may reduce the efficacy of flu vaccines and may also promote food allergies. According to the US CDC, this may help explain why the incidence of food allergies increased by about 50% between 1997 and 2011.

Previous studies have also shown that PFAS can suppress immune function. A report published in PLOS ONE in December last year showed that people with high levels of PFAS in their blood will increase the severity of SARS-CoV-2 (CCP virus) infection. A similar study in 2013 found the same results. The study determined that children exposed to high levels of PFAS in the uterus produced fewer antibodies after pediatric vaccination.

"Food manufacturers have no incentive to change their formulas," said Scott Faber, EWG's senior vice president of government affairs. "Many times, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the food and chemical industries to decide which ingredients are safe for consumption but our research shows how important it is for the FDA to re-examine these ingredients and test the safety of all food chemicals."

At present, the results of these studies are not enough to enable the FDA to issue stricter restrictions. The FDA continues to allow companies to determine whether the additives and preservatives used in their production are safe for human long-term health.

The study authors call for further research to learn more about how these chemicals act on the human immune system.