GENETIC DISORDER: CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE AND ITS EFFECTS TO THE HUMAN BODY

A Term Paper Presented to

the Senior High School

Ateneo de Davao University

ESPARTERO, MA. JESSIELYN

FRANCISCO, ISAIAH CRAIG

GERONA, CLAIRE MARIE

GONZALES, XTIAHJ ZUMAIAH DAUREEN

LINDO, KIARA

LOPEZ, JECHZZA LOIS

LOYOLA, AYNA FAITH

October 2, 2020

CHRISTIAN M. TAYAB

EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

 CONSUMER PRODUCTS

◆ SUBSTANCE: Sodium Benzoate

❖ DESCRIPTION:
The first preservative that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved of is known as the Sodium Benzoate. This chemical is a food additive
that is commonly used and is Generally Recognized as Safe. This chemical
substance hinders the growth of harmful bacterias, molds, and microbes in
products, thus preventing the product's fast spoilage. It is commonly used in
bottled juices, salad dressing, soy sauce, and other seasonings (McCulloch, 2019).

Sodium benzoate is an organic sodium salt causing proton's replacement

by a sodium ion from the carboxy group of benzoic acid. It has a role as a human
xenobiotic metabolite, a plant metabolite, an antimicrobial food preservative, an
EC 1.13.11.33 (arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase) inhibitor, a drug allergen, an EC
3.1.1.3 (triacylglycerol lipase) inhibitor, and an algal metabolite (Pubchem, n.d.).

❖ DISORDER:
1. According to PudMed Central (2016), a highly respected database from the
National Institute of Health, The following are the possible risks of Sodium
Benzoate:
● Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A study of college students
linked ADHD with higher sodium intake in beverages. In some studies, this
additive has also been linked to ADHD in children.
● Allergies: Sodium Benzoate can cause allergic reactions- such as itching and
swelling- after consuming foods or using products that include this substance.
2. Over time, Sodium Benzoate is used as preservatives and for personal care
products. In an academic journal, “A review on preservative sodium
benzoate,” the African Journal of Biotechnology said that “Consumption
above ADI (5 mg kg-1 ) resulted in hyperactivity, ADHD, and allergic
reactions.” The FDA considered the sodium benzoate as “Generally regarded
as safe” and did not set limitations on the substance. Although small doses of
sodium benzoate have little to no effect, some report says that oral doses of
8 to 10g can cause nausea and vomiting (Nair,2001)

❖ PRODUCT CONTAINING THE SUBSTANCE: Shampoo

Name of Actual Photo Number of

Product people in your
group using the
product

Dove Shampoo 3/6

 ❖ RECOMMENDATION:

The product Dove shampoo has a Sodium Benzoate substance. This

substance can cause many complications to our health if we will not limit
ourselves to using products with this kind of substance. As a recommendation,
the researchers suggest using products with sodium benzoate with limitations.
Products with this substance might be considered safe, but using too much can
harm consumers' health. Furthermore, as for the product itself, it is safe to
recommend using the product for its primary purpose, which is shampoo. Using
Dove Shampoo is safe to use, and it cannot cause complications in our health.

◆ SUBSTANCE: Paraben

❖ DESCRIPTION:
Commonly found in various products, such as food, medicines and
cosmetics are chemicals known as Paraben. Food and Drug Administrative (FDA)
states that Paraben is a preservative that stimulates and extends the shelf-life of a
certain product. It prevent harmful bacteria and mold from growing in the
products. According to Kathryn St. John, the communications director at the
American Chemistry Council, Paraben or known as para-hydroxybenzoic acid
(PHBA), can be found in fruits and vegetables just like carrots and blueberries. The
Human body also produces PHBA through the breakdown of Amino Acid. The
parabens, produced for consumption and hygeinic products, are similar to those
found in Nature. Common types of parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben,
propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropyl paraben, and isobutyl paraben (Ross,
2019).

❖ DISORDER:
1. Paraben is a preservative used in cosmetic products and pharmaceutical
products. What raised public concern about paraben is that this substance
can be found on breast cancer tissue. It is hypothesized that paraben has
estrogenic properties that have something to do with breast cancer
development (Gannes, Kirchhof, 2013)
2. According to Elle, Paraben has a function that is believed to mimic estrogen.
Estrogen is one of the leading female sex hormones. Too much estrogen can
increase breast cell division and trigger tumors (Dubs,2020). According to a
British study back in 2004, they found paraben in the breast tissue of 19 out of
20 women. Although it did not cause cancer, the substance can still enter
and stay on the tissue.

❖ PRODUCT CONTAINING THE SUBSTANCE: Moisturising Hand & Body Lotio

Name of Actual Photo Number of people

Product in your group
using the product

Magnolia
Moisturising 1/6
Hand & Body
Lotion
 ❖ RECOMMENDATION:

Paraben is a preservative found in shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, and many

other personal care items. It gives products longer and more stable shelf life.
However, it has weak estrogenic effects that play in breast cancer development.
Moreover, products with paraben substances are safe to use at current use levels
but recommended that others' levels be reduced. Although it did not have breast
cancer cases, this substance is still found in the breast tissues. Like other products,
products with this substance should be used just on its primary use to prevent
complications and diseases. Furthermore, as for the product itself, it is safe to use
it daily, since it helps moisturize one's skin.

FOOD PRODUCTS

◆ SUBSTANCE: Blue, Green, Red, And Yellow Artificial Color

❖ DESCRIPTION:
Bell, B. (2017) stated that "Food dyes are chemical substances that were
developed to enhance food's appearance by giving it artificial color." Today,
food dyes are made from petroleum, but the first artificial food dye was made
from coal tar way back in 1856. Food colorings come in various forms and textures
consisting of powders, liquids, pastes, and gels. With the health concerns going
on, the EFSA and the FDA have approved some food dyes (e.g., red no. 3 and
no. 40, yellow no. 5 and no. 6, and blue no. 1 and no. 2).

“Color and taste are logically identical. Since oranges are orange, we
expect orange-colored drinks to be orange-flavored. Red drinks should taste like
cherries, and purple drinks should taste like grapes. If a portion of food is
multicolored, it could be moldy and should not be eaten unless consumers are
eating blue cheese—which gets its distinct flavor from mold!" (Rohrig, 2015). Our
mind can change our appetite instantly if the colors of the food are not what we
expected. There is a saying that says, "Without coloring, hot dogs would be gray.
Yum!"

❖ DISORDER:
1. Concurring to PudMed Central (2016), a profoundly regarded database from
the National Institute of Health, Artificial food dyes are made from petroleum
and endorsed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the
improvement of the color of prepared nourishments. They are broadly utilized
within the food and pharmaceutical businesses to extend their products'
appeal and acceptability. Be that as it may, since the utilize of manufactured
nourishment coloring has ended up broad, numerous unfavorably susceptible
and other safe responsive clutters have progressively been detailed. Amid the
past 50 years, the sum of engineered color utilized in nourishments has
expanded by 500%. Aggression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disturbing rise happening
in behavioral issues in children. The ingestion of food delivers the most
significant foreign antigenic load that challenges the immune system. Artificial
colors can be absorbed utilizing the skin through cosmetics.
2. More than 90% of food colorings presently in use are synthetic. Concurring to
the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), nine synthetic food colors,
mostly petroleum-derived, are U.S.-approved for utilizing foods under the
Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act of 1938. As the IATP Direct says: "Over the last
three decades, repeated studies have concluded that modest doses of
engineered colors added to foods can provoke hyperactivity and other
disturbing behavior in children. Contrary to well-known conception, the
impact is not allergic; it does not appear more commonly in allergy-prone or
'atopic' children". Research conducts that allergies, asthma, hyperactivity,
and even cancer are somehow caused by artificial food coloring. U.K.
 authorities recently proposed a voluntary ban on them (and now Kraft
Lunchables in the U.K. are naturally colored, but the product sold within the
U.S. is still artificially colored). The Science in the Public Interest Center
petitioned the FDA to ban the utilize of existing artificial food dyes within the
U.S. They say expanding evidence of hazard and the success of the ban within
the U.K. It is required for the first time that new food additives be tested for
their poisonous quality to the brain and behavior before launching to the
market.

❖ PRODUCT CONTAINING THE SUBSTANCE: Instant drink mix

Name of Actual Photo Number of

Product people in your
group using the
product

Tang 4/6

❖ RECOMMENDATION:

The bright colors of sweets, sports drinks, and baked goods are due to
artificial food dyes; however, too many food dyes have side effects. The side
effects of food dyes can affect the public, especially the children. Food dye
intake of children should be controlled because it causes hyperactivity and
affects children’s behavior. Before buying products such as sweets, sports drinks,
and baked goods, check the ingredients list or the nutrition facts to see whether
artificial food dyes and what kind of synthetic food dyes are present. Food dyes
are banned in certain countries because of its impact and damage to an
individual’s health. Each color has different side effects and health concerns. For
example, blue #2 can induce brain tumors, green #3, and citrus red #2 can cause
bladder tumors and many more. Always check for the terms “color added,”
“artificial color,” and “artificial color added.” Instead of buying products with
artificial food dye, pick up organic spices, herbs, fruits that are effective to use as
color frosting and foods naturally; moreover, they deliver the health benefits of
cancer-fighting antioxidants (Honest Company, 2012).

◆ SUBSTANCE: Monosodium Glutamate

❖ DESCRIPTION:
Monosodium Glutamate is a flavor enhancer and has been used for
decades mostly added to Chinese food. Although a massive amount of report
says that MSG contains toxic substances for humans and animals, the FDA has
classified the ingredient as a “generally recognized safe”. “MSG is a popular flavor
enhancer derived from L-glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid that’s
necessary for the creation of proteins.” (Kubala, 2020). Unknowingly, we take MSG
 in our bodies as a lot of food uses this enhancer. Fast food, frozen meat, chips,
instant noodles, etc. are just some of what we eat that contains MSG. There is a
controversy going around the said enhancer but MSG actually occurs naturally
on some foods such as tomato and cheese.

❖ DISORDER:
1. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the foremost broadly utilized food-
additives in commercial foods. Its application has expanded over time, and
it is found in numerous different ingredients and processed foods obtainable
in every market or primary supply store. MSG gives an extraordinary smell to
processed foods, which is known as Umami in Japanese. This taste sensation
is also called "savory" (Xiong et al., 2009). MSG can cause obesity, metabolic
disorders, Chinese Eatery Disorder, neurotoxic effects, and detrimental
impacts on the regenerative organs. The average intake of MSG per day is
0.3-1.0 grams (Solomon et al., 2015). These doses possibly disturb neurons and
might have adverse impacts on behavior. Animal studies have illustrated that
neonatal MSG consumption sets a precedent for the improvement of weight
later on. Insulin resistance and reduced glucose tolerance in rodents due to
MSG consumption raise concerns about obesity in MSG consuming humans.
2. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) enhances flavor commonly added to
Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups, and prepared meats. The Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) determined MSG as a food ingredient that's
"generally recognized as safe," but it's efficacy remains questionable. In an
academic journal, "Review on Clinical Reports," the International Journal of
Food Authorities says that MSG triggers diverse indications like headache,
chest pain, burning sensation, and facial pressure. Some of the responses after
eating MSG include abdominal discomfort, urticaria (skin rashes), ventricular
arrhythmia (unusual heart rhythms in the ventricles), asthma, neuropathy
(dysfunction of peripheral nerves, particularly numbness and weakness), and
atopic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin resulting in irritated, red, swollen,
and cracked skin). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that it is
safe for constrained usage and enlisted several potential side effects
connected to expanded MSG utilization. Gastrointestinal, Cardiac,
circulatory, muscular, and neurological disorders are a few of the common
cases. All existing MSG forms cause these problems in MSG-sensitive people.
Clinical trials of animals and humans subjects also recommended various
potential health hazards, and the extrapolation of the animal model results in
humans is much requesting and strenuous. Excess of everything was terrible,
so MSG utilization up to a certain level does not have any adverse impacts
since glutamate is a nutritionally essential amino acid. (Chaumburg et al. n.d.)

❖ PRODUCT CONTAINING THE SUBSTANCE: Food Seasoning

Name of Actual Photo Number of

Product people in
your group
using the
product

Magic Sarap 6/6

❖ RECOMMENDATION:

Headaches, nausea, and more are some side effects and symptoms that
is caused by eating MSG in food (Alfaro, 2020). To check if MSG is present, read
the ingredients and nutrition information. One way to prevent them is to make it
from unprocessed ingredients because MSG is found in pre-packaged food items,
frozen meals, and restaurant meals. Start cooking from scratch so that what goes
into the body can be monitored. To instill flavors into the food, buy new and
natural ingredients. Try keeping a natural diet instead of eating refined and ready-
made food, especially fast-foods.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Branen, Larry, et al. Food Additives. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2002. Sodium
Benzoate production, safety, and uses. Retrieved on September 30,
2020 from https://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-
technology/chemistry/organic-chemistry/sodium-benzoate

Bruna G. O. Linke, Thais A. C. Casagrande and Lígia A. C. Cardoso (2018).Vol.

17(10), pp. 306-310,Food additives and their health effects: A review on
preservative sodium benzoate Retrieved on September 29, 2020 from
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJB/article-full-text-
pdf/D8CAD5D56203

Becky Bell, MS, RD, (2017) Food Dyes: Harmless or Harmful? Retrieved on
September 30, 2020 from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-dyes

D. Alfaro, (2020) What Is MSG?. Retrieved on September 29, 2020 from

https://www.thespruceeats.com/monosodium-glutamate-or-msg-996134

G. C. de Gannes, M. G. Kirchhof, (2013) The health controversies of parabens,

Retrieved on September 30, 2020 from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23508773/

Honest Company,(2012) 5 WAYS TO AVOID ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLORING.

Retrieved on September 28, 2020 from
https://www.honest.com/blog/wellness/ingredients/5-ways-to-avoid-
artificial-food-coloring/2886.html

Janelle Sorensen,(2010) Just Say No to Blue, Green, Red and Yellow Retrieved on
September 28, 2020 from https://blogs.webmd.com/from-our-
archives/20100323/just-say-no-to-blue-green-red-and

Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., (2020) Nutrition and Healthy Eating Retrieved on
September 28, 2020 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-
lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-
glutamate/faq-
20058196#:~:text=Monosodium%20glutamate%20(MSG)%20is%20a,but%20
its%20use%20remains%20controversial.

McCulloch,M. MS, RD, (2019). Healthline: What is Sodium Benzoate? Everything you
need to know. Retrieved on September 28, 2020 from
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sodium-benzoate

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2020). PubChem Compound Summary

for CID 517055, Sodium benzoate. Retrieved on October 1, 2020
from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-benzoate.

Rachel Ross (2019) What are Parabens? Retrieved on September 28, 2020 from
https://www.livescience.com/64862-what-are-parabens.html
Vojdani A, Vojdani C.(2015) Immune reactivity to food coloring, Retrieved on
September 28, 2020 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25599186/

Zehra Kazmi, Iffat Fatima, Shaghufta Perveen & Saima Shakil Malik (2017) Monosodium
glutamate: Review on clinical reports, International Journal of Food Properties,
20:sup2, 1807-1815, DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2017.1295260 Retrieved on
September 30, 2020 from
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2017.1295260

Z. Dubs (2020) What Are Parabens? The Truth About Skincare's Biggest Bad Guy,
Retrieved on September 28, 2020 from
https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/skin/articles/a36356/what-are- parabens/
 Analytic Rubric for the Output

Total
Weig
4 3 2 1 Scor
ht
e
Content: Completeness
Provided all the Provided 2
Provided no or 1
five Provided only 3-4 information
only for each information for
(5) information forinformation for
each substance
each substance each substance substance
presented (Natur
presented (Nature presented (Natur presented
(Nature of e of substance
of substance with e of substance
with description,
description, with description, substance with
description, associated
associated associated
disorder with the
disorder with the disorder with the associated
substance substance disorder with the substance
substance chosen,
chosen, chosen,
chosen,
the consumer or
the consumer or the consumer or
food product food product the consumer or food product x2
food product where the
where the where the
where the substance is
substance is substance is
substance is found,
found, found
found,
recommendation
recommendations ,
s to the public
to the public recommendation recommendation
s to the public regarding the
regarding the s to the public
regarding the data gathered
data gathered regarding the
data gathered and
and data gathered
and Citation/Bibliograp
Citation/Bibliogra and
hy)
phy) Citation/Bibliogra Citation/Bibliograp
phy) hy)

Mechanics: Format
In PDF; Followed Printed; Followed Printed; Followed Printed; Followed
the prescribed only 3 of the only 2 of the only 1 or didn’t
format (Paper size - prescribed format. prescribed format. follow any of the
long, prescribed format.
Font – Century x1
Gothic;
Font size – 11;
Margin – Normal
(1” in all sides)
Content: Accuracy and Relevance
All information
(Nature of
substance with
5 or more
description, 1-2 concepts, 3-4 concepts,
concepts,
associated explanations or explanations or
explanations or
disorder with the other information other information
other information x3
substance presented are presented are
presented are
chosen, inaccurate or inaccurate or
inaccurate or
irrelevant. irrelevant.
irrelevant.
the consumer or
food product
where the
 substance is
found,

recommendations
to the public
regarding the
data gathered
and
Citation/Bibliogra
phy) presented
are accurate or
relevant.
Mechanics: Grammar and Spelling
6 or more
No grammar or 1-3 grammar or 4-6 grammar or
grammar or
spelling errors are spelling errors are spelling errors are x1
spelling errors are
observed. observed. observed.
observed.
References: Source Citations
2-borrowed
All 4-borrowed 3-borrowed
information 0-1 borrowed
information information
(description of information have
(description of (description of
product) have a a source citation x1
product) have a product) have a
source citation and are cited
source citation and source citation and
and are cited correctly.
are cited correctly. are cited correctly.
correctly.
Promptness
Output submitted Output submitted 1 Output submitted Output submitted
on or before set day after set 2 days after set 3 days and more X1
deadline deadline deadline after set deadline

Overall Score:
/36

Peer Assessment Rubric:

Point System

4 — Student is functioning at a high level and does not need to improve;

3 — Student is working well within the group but has a few areas which could be
improved;
2 — Student is making an attempt to work well but needs to improve in some
areas;
1 — Student does not seem to be trying to work well with the group and needs
to improve a great deal.

Group Member Score

ESPARTERO, MA. JESSIELYN 4
FRANCISCO, ISAIAH CRAIG 4
GONZALES, XTIAHJ ZUMAIAH DAUREEN 2
LOPEZ, JECHZZA LOIS 4
LINDO, KIARA 4
LOYOLA, AYNA FAITH 3