Almost everyone agrees is chemically processed foods will be harmful to the body if used excessively. Likewise with methylparaben (Methyl P-Hydroxybenzoate or E218) remains a risk behind the benefits.
Methylparaben became a byword on the issue bans instant noodles in Taiwan. This substance is beneficial to prevent spoilage and contamination from fungi and bacteria so that the products hold in some period of time.
This substance is known as esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid which are developed from the basic ingredients of organic acids and alcohols. Although parabens are natural products, but due to the use of mass-produced synthetic parabens.
Although methylparaben can be water soluble and easily absorbed by the intestinal tract or the skin there is still a risk when its use is excessive.
Indonesia through the Agency for Food and Drug Administration to provide safe threshold for this product is the maximum limit allowed for example the use of soy is 250 mg / kg. In other foods except meat, fish and poultry, the limit of use is 1000 mg / kg.
But according to findings published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, excessive use in a long time can harm the body, because the methylparaben does not always broken down and excreted by the body.
Reporting from several medical journals ie Journal of Applied Toxicology and the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology that was quoted on Tuesday (12/10), there are some negative health effects of methylparaben preservatives that are used to excess:
1. Breast cancer
The use of excessive and methylparaben in a long time can harm the body. Preservatives that are not broken down and removed the body can act as estrogen which then accumulate in reproductive organs. In women, this could trigger breast cancer.
Based on the results of a study published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology in 2004, in some cases of breast cancer was found in a number of parabens in breast cancer tissue in the biopsy.
2. Infertility (infertility) in men
Paraben resemble the female hormone estrogen in the body. According to the January 2009 study published in the Journal of Reproductive Toxicology, excessive use of parabens can cause sterility and prostate cancer in men.
The study reported that mild estrogenic properties of these preservatives can alter the health of cells in the testes, which in turn leads to lower sperm counts and reduced reproductive potential.
3. Allergy
In some people who sentisif of methylparaben can cause allergies. People who are allergic to parabens may develop dermatitis and skin irritation when in contact with these preservatives.
Although this does not happen in most people, some individuals are susceptible to skin allergies, eczema and rosacea (a chronic skin condition characterized by redness) should avoid using products with parabens preservatives.
4. Indigestion
The use of methylparaben in high doses can also cause digestive tract disturbances such as increased gastric acid and peptic ulcers.
5. Respiratory Disorders
In addition to digestive disorders, the use of methylparaben in high doses can cause respiratory disorders, such as causing sore throat, cough and difficulty breathing.
