What Is BHT & Is It Safe?

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a human-made chemical used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics [1]. This chemical is regularly used to preserve fats, color, texture, and oils in these products [2]. It’s also a synthetic antioxidant used in processed foods. BHT risks include potential hormone disruption and cancer. Million Marker believes BHT is dangerous and should be avoided.

What Products Have BHT In Them?

BHT can be found in:

Lip glosses
Lotions
Breakfast cereals
Foods like preserved meats and chips
Dehydrated foods
Baked goods
Snack foods
Chewing gum
Flavored products

Is BHT Safe?

This chemical is commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics and foods. However, General Mills started removing BHT from their cereals over growing health concerns [3]. In vivo tests suggest that the BHT preservative is bad for you. BHT may act as an endocrine disruptor and damage healthy cells [4]. Million Marker recommends avoiding BHT products.

Health Impacts of BHT Products

Some animal studies have shown BHT as an endocrine disruptor that has toxic effects on the liver, lungs, kidneys, blood system, and reproductive system [5]. As an endocrine disruptor, it can impact testosterone levels as well as affect sperm quality. Another reason why BHT isn’t good for you is that it might cause enlargements in the liver, inflammatory effects in the lungs, renal dysfunction, and a decrease in potassium levels [5].