BHT Full Form
What is the full form of BHT?
BHT stands for Butylated hydroxytoluene. It is also known as dibutyl hydroxytoluene. It's a derivative of phenol ( C6H5OH).Iupac name of BHT is 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethyl)-4-methylphenol.
The Chemical formula of BHT is C15 H24 O., and the structure is shown below:
Applications of BHT
It is used as a food preservative added to foods for more freshness. It is a white or yellow-coloured chemical which is manufactured by many laboratories to be used as a medicine.
A highly sexually transmitted disease AIDS(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) added can also be treated by BHT. It is is an organic derivative and substitute for phenol.
Properties of BHT
Its odour is slightly phenolic.
It is flammable. BHT has low polarity.
BHT is also used in pharmaceutical companies as creams gels.
BHT can also be used in the petroleum industry as a fuel additive.
It also prevents fats and oils from getting oxidised.
BHT can act as a stabiliser.
It is said that BHT has the property to gather together inside the human body.
The main work of any antioxidant, like BHA and BHT, is to protect the food or a product from coming in contact with moisture. FDA states that BHT if added in small quantities to food, does not cause any damage.
It increases the shelf life of any product to make the product long-lasting.
Side Effects Of Bht
BHT can cause adverse effects on testosterone and has the potential to gather together in the human body, which leads to liver damage and the production of tumors. Studies have shown that BHT preservatives are harmful to human health and recommend avoiding these.
BHT, when applied directly to the skin, can cause major skin issues.
BHT can also be used in cosmetic products.BHT, when applied directly on the skin, can cause toxic and harmful effects on skin.BHT is a white-coloured powder. Despite all the controversial statements about BHT. It is still being used in food preservatives and cosmetics.BHT has been called an antiviral drug. But as of the present scenario, No authentic drug regulatory agency has approved it.
It is said that a high dose of BHT can also promote brain tumours.
Alternatives For BHT
The most important question here is how we can reduce the intake of BHT. This can be simplified by taking the alternatives for BHT, which are Rosemary extracts, and Vitamin E.
Some food industries have also taken the initiative to eliminate all the BHA and BHT from their solid food materials, like cereals. It's to be said that if taken in low concentrations, BHT can be used in cosmetics products as it does not damage the skin nor causes any serious skincare issues and is safe to use as a good preservative for skin care products such as cleansers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
By taking the alternatives of BHT, Rosemary extracts and vitamin E. Read the label of every product before taking it.
BHT has been widely used as a preservative in Food and cosmetics to ensure freshness and increase shelf life.
According to researchers, BHT if taken in a high dose, can be dangerous for health. It may cause damage to the lungs and liver and can even lead to the production of tumours.
Butylated hydroxytoluene is used as a food preservative.
Yes BHT can be cancerous. According to research. It may cause cancer in animals but not in humans.