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Parabens(E214 E215 E218 E219)
Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary2 sources
Parabens is a preservative — Most commonly used preservatives in US; prevent growth of molds and yeasts
Also: Butylparaben, Heptylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Para-Hydroxybenzoate
What it does
Most commonly used preservatives in US; prevent growth of molds and yeasts
Where you'll see it
baked goods, sugar substitutes, jams, mincemeats, milk preparations, soft drinks, packaged fish/meat/poultry, jellies, fats, oils, frozen dairy desserts, surface treatment of dried meat, cereal- or potato-based snacks, coated nuts
What the research says
British researchers found traces in 20 women with breast tumors. Believed to act like estrogen — high levels can cause breast cancers in some women. Reports that parabens may contribute to drop in sperm count in European men. Caused birth defects in mice and rats fed 550 mg/kg during pregnancy.
[metabolical] Preservatives with estrogenic activity. Alter gene expression in breast cancer cells, impair female fertility, and (per Lustig's UC Berkeley collaboration) advance the timing of puberty in girls.
Benefits
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; relatively nonirritating, nonsensitizing, nonpoisonous
Regulatory status
- US FDA: GRAS
- EU: restricted
- Notes: European Parliament 2003 said should be reevaluated; 2004 study found in breast tumor samples; EU pushing to ban in deodorants
Sources
- Metabolical (Lustig) — Chapter 20: parabens can advance the timing of puberty in girls
- A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): British researchers found traces of it in twenty women who had breast tumors. It is believed parabens act like the female hormone estrogen