Brominated vegetable oil side effects: Why is Brominated vegetable oil bad? What is bad about brominated vegetable oil?

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) has been linked to several health concerns, including neurological and thyroid problems. Bromine, one of the ingredients in BVO, can irritate the skin, nose, mouth, and stomach.

In addition, bromine has been linked to neurologic symptoms in people who drink large quantities of citrus soda, more than 2 liters a day. Brominated vegetable oil is used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored soft drinks and sports drinks to keep the flavor evenly distributed throughout the drink.

Without BVO, these beverages may have a cloudy appearance and inconsistent flavor, as the essential oils would separate from the liquid. As authorized, brominated vegetable oil is used in small amounts, not to exceed 15 parts per million.

In 1970, the FDA classified Brominated vegetable oil as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use in food after studies conducted by the FDA National Center for Toxicological Research found new evidence of its harmful effects.