Is TBHQ Bad For You?
Also Known As: tertiary butylhydroquinone
Short answer
TBHQ is used in commercially produced foods as a preservative to increase shelf life. Like many other preservatives, TBHQ is known to cause a wide range of negative short-term and long-term effects - this additive should be avoided.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, also known as TBHQ, has the properties of an antioxidant. This makes it an excellent additive to commercially produced foods, as it preserves the color, flavor, and smell of the food. This means that a product can have a much later expiration date and can last longer on store shelves, saving the company money and avoiding wasting product. A product that has all of these benefits, however, usually means it is bad for you.
As a consumer, you'll often find TBHQ in packaged or processed foods that have fats and oils. This includes a huge range of products, from cookies to frozen meals. The FDA has evaluated TBHQ and has set up guidelines, based on the amount of the additive that can be consumed safely. Products containing over 0.02 percent of TBHQ can be harmful.
TBHQ is still being studied to determine the level of the chemical can be considered safe and what the effects are when consumed in higher doses. Currently, there are several short-term and long-term effects that have been noted. Consuming an excess of the chemical can lead to nausea, vomiting, delirium, collapse and ringing in the ears. Over time, the chemical can be linked to hyperactivity (worsening the symptoms of ADHD), arthritis, rhinitis, dermatitis, and asthma.
While the FDA is regulating the amount of TBHQ in products, the additive is found in so many products that it is possible to greatly exceed the acceptable amount each day. Be sure to check labels to avoid consuming excess TBHQ. You may see the following ingredients listed, each of which refers to the preservative: tertiary butylhydroquinone, tert-Butylhydroquinone, TBHQ, butylated hydroxyanisole.
Possible short-term side effects
- nausea
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vomiting
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delirium
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collapse
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ringing in ears
Possible long-term side effects
- hyperactivity
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arthritis
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asthma
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rhinitis
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dermatitis
Commonly found in
Benefits
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Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-18-2017
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-18-2017
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