E, and K, as well as carotenoids out of the body. For this reason the makers of Olestra containing foods must add these vitamins. The question that most are asking is why don't they also add carotenoids? A growing amount of evidence shows that carotenoids may offer special health benefits. In The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health of 1988, it states: "[S]tudies have shown lower rates of cancer among individuals consuming the highest overall levels of vitamin A, carotenoids, or fruits and vegetables." In 1996, three weeks before the FDA approved Olestra, the USDA released its Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines encouraged Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables containing carotenoids. Why did the FDA approve Olestra if it knew that it would rob Americans of carotenoids? The approval committee was largely composed of food industry consultants. Olestra is fairly new to the market, and has not been thoroughly tested. Long-term health effects are not yet known. In the short eight-week trials, there was substantial evidence to suggest serious long-term gastrointestinal problems, especially among children. There may also be dangers such as macular degeneration, the number one cause of blindness in the elderly, and lung cancer from low carotenoid levels. Yet again, the risks outweigh the benefits of this food additive.In conclusion, most food additives including citric acid, salt, sugar, and corn syrup are perfectly safe in normal dosages. The FDA is mandated by law to regulate the food industry and ensure the safety of our food supply. Although they do make mistakes, the FDA is protecting the public and making it easier for average people to understand food additives. With more than one hundred additives petitioned each year, think of the great ways food will be improved in the future....
