Keto Diet And Propylene Glycol: Is It Approved?

Propylene glycol is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless thick liquid that is used in many processed products. It is often used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, and anticaking agent in food products. The product is also commonly used in cosmetics, dog food, bath products, and medications. In addition, propylene glycol has been found to be effective in the prevention and treatment of ketosis, a condition that can affect does in late pregnancy. With its various applications and functionality across different industries, propylene glycol's approval for keto usage is an important topic to explore further.

Propylene glycol is used to treat ketosis in cows

Propylene glycol has been used to treat ketosis since the 1950s. It is a glucogenic substrate that has beneficial effects on the carbohydrate and fat metabolism in early-lactation cows. It increases plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, while decreasing plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate. It also reduces the triacylglycerol content of the liver and the concentrations of ketone bodies in milk, thereby exhibiting anti-ketogenic properties.

Propylene glycol is rapidly absorbed from the rumen and converted to glucose by the liver. It is metabolised to lactate, acetate, and pyruvate in the liver, with lactate entering gluconeogenesis via pyruvate. The main effect of propylene glycol is to increase the glucogenic status, thereby reducing the risk of ketosis.

The recommended dosage of propylene glycol for treating ketosis in cows is 300 mL per day, with a maximum dosage of 500 mL per day due to potential toxic effects. The best method of administration is oral drench, as mixing propylene glycol into total mixed rations may decrease feed intake and perpetuate ketosis.

In summary, propylene glycol is an effective treatment for ketosis in cows, increasing plasma glucose and insulin while decreasing ketone bodies and fatty acids. It is important to monitor dosages and administration methods to avoid potential toxic effects and ensure the successful treatment of ketosis.

It is also used to prevent ketosis in pregnant goats

Propylene glycol is used to treat ketosis in goats. Ketosis is a metabolic condition, also known as pregnancy toxemia, that occurs during the final stage of gestation. It is caused by the inappropriate metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, resulting in a hypoglycaemic encephalopathy. The condition is characterised by behavioural and neurological signs, such as depression, lethargy, and poor appetite, and can lead to recumbency and death.

Goats with ketosis have an increased concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate in their blood and possibly urine. The treatment for ketosis involves administering energy sources and removing factors causing reduced energy availability. Propylene glycol is one such energy source and is administered orally in the early stages of the disease. The typical dosage is 60 mL every 12 hours for 3 days, or 100 mL per day. Oral supplementation with calcium and potassium, as well as the administration of protamine zinc insulin, can also increase survival rates.

It is important to note that propylene glycol may be toxic at high and repeated doses. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the dosage to 60cc per dose in a dam that is eating and to discontinue if she stops feeding.

By administering propylene glycol and other treatments, producers can help prevent ketosis in pregnant goats and improve their chances of a successful birth.

PG is an ingredient in many processed foods

Propylene glycol (PG) is an ingredient in many processed foods. It is a synthetic food additive that is nearly odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is slightly thicker than water and has a syrupy consistency. PG is used in many processed products because it helps maintain their consistency, moisture, and texture.

In the food industry, PG is used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, anticaking agent, humectant, antioxidant, and processing aid. It is commonly found in packaged foods such as drink mixes, dressings, dried soups, cake mixes, soft drinks, popcorn, food coloring, fast foods, bread, and dairy products. It is also used in medications, cosmetic products, and industrial products like paint, antifreeze, and artificial smoke.

While PG is considered "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are some potential health risks associated with its consumption. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the acceptable limit is 25 milligrams of PG per kilogram of body weight, while the average exposure in the US is about 34 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Some people may want to reduce their intake of PG due to potential health concerns. High levels of PG can worsen kidney and liver disease symptoms, leading to a build-up of lactic acid and, in turn, kidney failure and acidosis. PG can also cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, in a small number of people. Additionally, when injected in high amounts, it has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack due to its effect on blood pressure and heart rhythm.

To avoid PG in your diet, you can read labels and look for it as an ingredient or the additive number E1520. It is important to note that PG is commonly found in processed foods, so reducing the consumption of these types of foods can also help lower your intake.

PG is generally recognized as safe by the FDA

Propylene glycol is a synthetic food additive that is part of the same chemical group as alcohol. It is a colourless, odourless, slightly viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste. It is commonly used as a food additive to aid in the processing of foods and improve their texture, flavour, appearance, and shelf life.

Propylene glycol is deemed "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also recognised as safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The World Health Organization recommends a maximum intake of 11.4 mg of propylene glycol per pound of body weight (25 mg/kg) per day. The estimated exposure to propylene glycol through food in the US is 15 mg per pound (34 mg/kg) per day.

Propylene glycol is used in a variety of food products, including drink mixes, dressings, dried soups, cake mix, soft drinks, popcorn, food colouring, fast food, bread, and dairy products. It is also used in medications, cosmetic products, and industrial products like paint, antifreeze, artificial smoke, and e-cigarettes.

While propylene glycol is generally recognised as safe, there have been rare cases of toxicity from very high doses of medication containing propylene glycol. People with kidney or liver disease, pregnant women, children, and infants may be at a higher risk of developing toxicity from propylene glycol due to their lower levels of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, which is essential for breaking it down.

To summarise, propylene glycol is a useful chemical compound recognised as safe by the FDA and EFSA. It is used in a variety of food, drug, cosmetic, and manufacturing applications. While it is considered safe for the general population, those with certain medical conditions or vulnerabilities may need to be cautious about their exposure and intake.

PG is used in cosmetics, medicines, and food products

Propylene glycol (PG) is a colorless, odorless, and nearly tasteless thick liquid. It is used in many processed products because it helps them maintain their consistency, moisture, and texture. It is generally considered safe by the CDC and FDA and has a wide range of applications in cosmetics, medicines, and food products.

Cosmetics

Propylene glycol is a common ingredient in cosmetic, personal, and skincare products, present in 26.4% to 37.8% of registered personal care products. It functions as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and consequently hydrating and moisturizing it. It also acts as a solvent, dissolving substances in a product formulation to get them to mix and work together properly. As an emollient, it soothes and hydrates the skin, forming an oily layer that prevents water loss. Additionally, it helps control viscosity, reducing the thickness of cosmetic formulations to improve their spreadability and absorption. Propylene glycol also serves as a preservative in cosmetic and skincare products, often in combination with other chemicals, to prevent bacterial growth.

Medicines

Propylene glycol is widely used as a solvent and carrier in drug manufacturing. It dissolves other substances without altering their fundamental structure and serves as a delivery system for active ingredients. It is used to dilute and stabilize medicines, and can be found in oral drugs like capsules and tablets, topical drugs like creams and gels, and intravenous (injected) drugs.

Food Products

In the food industry, propylene glycol is used as a thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, anticaking agent, humectant, antioxidant, and processing aid. It improves the texture, taste, and "mouth feel" of food products. As an emulsifier, it binds ingredients that normally don't mix, such as oil and water, and is often used in low-fat foods. It stabilizes emulsions, prevents powdered products from clumping, and helps maintain moisture in baked goods. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant, extending the shelf life of food, and enhances the look of processed foods.

Propylene glycol is commonly found in food products such as salad dressings, seasonings, soup blends, teas, soft drinks, baking mixes, powdered drink mixes, highly processed snacks, mass-distributed baked desserts, and dried coconut shreds. It is considered safe by the FDA, which approves its use in food at certain concentrations.

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