Foundations of Nutrition Composition
Alisa Aubrey, Emma Becker, Tiffani Nguyen, Alex Romero, Professor Maxwell-Stephens, Hlth 1020, March 13, 2013
Cancer and Child Nutrition
Introduction
Many foods that children consume on a daily basis contain ingredients that are carcinogens, such as sodium nitrite in hot dogs, hydrogenated oils in peanut butter, sodium benzene in various beverages, and dimethylpolysiloxane in chicken nuggets. Foods that contain these carcinogenic ingredients are quite common in our society, therefore children are more exposed to these ingredients when consuming everyday foods and beverages (American Cancer Society). During our research and experiment process, we narrowed down to foods that contained these ingredients that were most typical in an average diet for children. Often, the ingredients were recurring and found in multiple food and beverage choices. Our group hypothesized that when children are given a choice between two similar foods, one with ingredients linked to cancer (option 1) and one that does not contain these ingredients (option 2) the child will prefer option 1 due to the fact of the increased exposure to the product and familiarity.
Literature Review:
Sodium Benzene
Sodium Benzene occurs when both ascorbic
acid (vitamin c) and sodium benzoate (a preservative) are present in the same
food or beverage. These two chemicals are permitted in food and often occur in
products, resulting in benzene (AIB International). Beverages consisting of
benzene include soft drinks, especially diet, fruit drinks, and energy sport
drinks. Benzene however, has been classified and confirmed by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services as a human carcinogen. Consumption of
foods containing high levels of benzene can result in multiple symptoms such as
rapid or irregular heartbeat, vomiting, convulsions, and death. Exposure
over a longer-term impacts the blood and bones, leading to anemia and possibly
leukemia.
Sodium Nitrite
Sodium Nitrite is a vastly common chemical that is found in most processed forms of meat, such as hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and ham (American Cancer Society). It acts as a preservative that helps prevent meats from spoiling, while allowing it to maintain its freshness and color. Many studies have shown that there is a link between high consumptions of sodium nitrite and various types of cancer. For example, a study done by researchers at the American Cancer Society found that there is a 50% increase in the risks of becoming diagnosed with a form of colorectal cancer in individuals that had high consumptions of processed meats over a ten year span (American Cancer Society). The Sodium Nitrite contained in processed meats for preservation often binds with amines, leading to the formation of nitrosamine, a cancer-inducing agent (Livestrong). In addition to that, a common way of flavoring and preparing these meats is by smoking the meat. Harmful compounds and chemicals may diffuse into the meat during this process, increasing the likelihood of it causing cancer (American Cancer Society).
Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are comprised of a vegetable oil base that contains hydrogen ions. These types of oils are made to withstand a long shelf life and allow the food to not spoil right away. There are certain foods, such as French fries, that have a high-hydrogenated oil content. Others, such as potato chips, include a partially hydrogenated oil content said to improve the taste. These partially hydrogenated oils are commonly known as trans fatty acids or unsaturated fats (Bauer, Lindsay R.). The dangerous risks of these oils include many different cancers, coronary heart disease, and birth defects. One study has linked breast cancer to hydrogenated oils and proved that cooking with non-hydrogenated oils reduces the risk of breast cancer (Dai, Qi). This source helped in our study by finding commonly known foods containing these oils. Another article talked about the recent change in restaurants to reduce or eliminate these oils within foods (None is Best). In our study we sampled Peanut Butter that has a high content of hydrogenated oils.
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dimethylpolysiloxane is a common ingredient in the mixture of 7 chemicals in chicken nuggets. Dimethylpolysiloxane is a silicone-based agent used as an anti foaming agent, and emulsifier in processed foods. It is found in many fast food restaurants to increase the lifetime of their frying oil. Dimethylpolysiloxane is the chemical used in silicone breast implants, it is being phased out as a breast plant filler due to safety concerns by the industry (Adams, Mike). Dimethylpolysiloxane is used to create silly putty, cosmetics, soft drinks, instant coffees, chewing gum, cooking oils, confectionary snacks, syrups and chocolates. According to The Health World Organization, the study relating dimethylpolysiloxane is in its infancy, further studies are needed to explore potential dangers. We are not aware of the dangers of the ingredients in the foods we allow our children to eat and the unhealthy habits they are forming. Over a long period of time certain ingredients can be detrimental to our health.
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
When Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) appears on food labels it indicates the potential for that food to go rancid. To help prevent oxidation damage to fats, BHT is used as a preservative and an antioxidant that prevents the oxidation to the fats (Livestrong). By using such preservatives, manufacturers can insure that their foods will maintain a longer shelf life and preservation of flavor. Some foods that contain BHT are found in cereals, potato chips, chewing gum, and cooking oils. The U.S Department and Human Services have labeled BHT as a potential human carcinogen. However, the Food and Drug Administration continues to allow its use in foods despite the studies that have linked BHT to cause cancer in animals (Livestrong).
Experiment
In order to test our hypothesis, we conducted an experiment that revealed whether or not children were able to distinguish major differences between foods containing the harmful ingredients (option 1) and foods that did not (option 2). For each food item consisting of a harmful carcinogenic ingredient, we found a healthier alternative that it could be compared to. For our study with Sodium Benzene, we focused on strawberry lemonade. Children tried two different types, Country Time lemonade and then the organic lemonade. Their initial response was being drawn to the brighter color of the Country Time lemonade but stated that the organic lemonade looked healthier because it was not as bright and probably had less sugar. After tasting each, 3 out of the 4 children preferred the Country Time lemonade which had 24 grams of sugar over the organic which had 22 grams of sugar. In our experiment with Sodium Nitrite, we used hot dogs that did contain Sodium Nitrite (Oscar Meyer beef franks), and hot dogs that did not contain any Sodium Nitrite (Fearless uncured hot dogs). To test whether or not children were able to tell the difference between the two types; they were asked various questions regarding their thoughts on both types of hot dogs. When asked which one tasted better, 3 of the 4 children surveyed believed that the uncured hot dogs were better than the other. For our study with BHT, we used Frosted Mini Wheats and organic frosted mini wheat cereal. Our study showed that children could tell which one had more frosting on the wheat therefore the children like the unhealthy option. For our study with hydrogenated oils, we used Smucker’s Uncrustables peanut butter and jelly and compared it to organic white bread, peanut butter and strawberry jelly, all without hydrogenated oils. Our research showed that children liked the unhealthy option containing hydrogenated oils better than the organic sandwiches.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Our study consisted of 4 children that taste tested 4 different foods and their healthy alternatives. We obtained 16 results which proved our hypothesis that when children are given a choice between two similar foods, one with ingredients linked to cancer (option 1) and one that does not contain these ingredients (option 2) the child will prefer option 1 due to the fact of the increased exposure to the product and familiarity.. For our first question, which one looks better, 44% said they looked the same, however 38% said the unhealthy option looked better. The second question asked, which one looks healthier, 63% of the children said that option 2 looked healthier. For the last question our hypothesis was proven; 41% said the unhealthy option tasted better. From our study we are able to recommend that education on healthy and unhealthy ingredients and then reading nutrition labels to avoid those harmful ingredients will aid in healthy eating habits. One bright woman once said, “If you can’t pronounce it, stay away!” (Dr. Kate Maxwell-Stephens, PhD). Lastly, homemade cooking tends to be healthier and involving children in the fun preparation is a great idea.
Citations
Adams, Mike. "Anti-foaming Agent Found in Chicken McNuggets." NaturalNews. Naturalnews.com, 26 June 2011. Web. 10 Mar. 2013.
AIB International. "Production of Benzene from Abscorbic Acid and Sodium Benzoate." Aibonline.org. AIB International, n.d. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
American Cancer Society. "Food Additives, Safety, and Organic Foods." Food Additives, Safety, and Organic Foods. American Cancer Society, 11 Jan. 2012. Web. 6 Mar. 2013.
Bauer, Lindsay R., and Julee Waldrop. "TransFat Intake in Children: Risks and Recommendations." Pediatric Nursing: Continuing Nursing Education Series35.6 (2009): 346-51. EBSCO Host. Web. 5 Mar. 2012. <http://www.pediatricnursing.net/ce/2011/article35346351.pdf>.
Dai, Qi, Xiao-ou Shu, Fan Jin, Yu-Tang Gao, Zhi-Xian Ruan, and Wei Zheng. "Consumption of Animal Foods, Cooking Methods, and Risk of Breast Cancer." Cebp.aacrjournals.org. American Association for Cancer Research, 23 May 2002. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.
Doyle, Colleen. "EXPERT VOICES." Cancer.org. American Cancer Society, 31 Mar. 2011. Web. 7 Mar. 2013.
Editorial. "None Is Best." The New York Times [New York City] 3 June 2010, A34 section. pag. Print.
Gucciardi, Anthony. "4 Food Ingredients Way Worse than Horse Meat." Naturalsociety.com, 4 Feb. 2013. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.
Janine, Anne. "The Effects of Sodium Nitrite." LIVESTRONG.COM. Livestrong, 16 Aug. 2010. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.
