- Not only are they full of sugar, but they contain an additive with links to obesity
- Butylhydroxytoluene, often added to protect nutrients, is an endocrine disruptor
- Evidence has shown such compounds to wreak havoc on animals’ waistlines
- But until now, the real effects on humans had yet to be accurately revealed
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
By STEPHEN MATTHEWS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 11:18 EDT, 10 August 2017
It may be best to stick to having jam on toast for your breakfast. A landmark new study has unveiled the worst nightmare for cereal lovers – eating a bowl each morning could make you obese. Not only are certain varieties full of sugar, but they contain a common additive that could well be a gender-bending chemical. Evidence has shown such compounds to wreak havoc on animals’ waistlines, but until now, the effects on humans had yet to be accurately revealed. Butylhydroxytoluene, often added to protect nutrients, was one of three endocrine disruptors tested by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers.
It is more commonly known as E321, and used to be listed in the ingredients panel of Cheerios, Lucky Charms and Cookie Crisp. General Mills, the US manufacturer of such popular ranges, pulled the additive from its production line amid growing concerns over its safety. Campaigners were concerned because of its links to liver damage, and inconclusive evidence on various forms of cancer.
Manufacturers instead seek to use its chemical cousin E320. This can be found in Kelloggs Special K bars in the US, as well as Weight Watchers Double Chocolate Cereal Bar. The other two chemicals tested were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – found in carpets, and tributlytin (TBT), a compound that can be found in water and seafood.
A ‘landmark’ study
Lead author Dr Dhruv Sareen said: ‘We discovered each of these chemicals damaged hormones that communicate between the gut and the brain.’