4-Methylimidazole molecule C013 / 9438
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4-Methylimidazole molecule C013 / 9438
4-Methylimidazole molecule. Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of the heterocyclic organic chemical compound 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI). Atoms are colour-coded: carbon (grey), nitrogen (blue) and hydrogen (white). 4-MEI may be formed in the browning of certain foods. There has been concern about the its presence in caramel colour (the most used food and beverage colouring). At very high doses (360 mg/kg of body weight) it has been shown to have adverse effects in some animals. However, other studies have shown no ill effects in other animals. In January 2011 California, USA, added 4-MEI to its list of probable carcinogens and stipulated 16 micrograms per day as the No Significant Risk Level intake. This level is considerably less than
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Media ID 9201197
© DR TIM EVANS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Atom Atoms Ball And Stick Beverage Browning Cancer Causing Carcinogen Carcinogenic Colouring Compound Compounds Concern Controversial Controversy Dietary Food Industry Foods Nutrition Organic Biochemical Biochemistry Cutouts Molecular Model
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate structure of a 4-Methylimidazole molecule, a heterocyclic organic chemical compound. The computer-generated model vividly displays the arrangement of atoms, with carbon represented in grey, nitrogen in blue, and hydrogen in white. While this compound may seem innocuous at first glance, it has raised concerns due to its potential formation during the browning process of certain foods. Of particular worry is its presence in caramel colorings, which are widely used in the food and beverage industry. Extensive research has been conducted to determine its effects on animals, yielding conflicting results. High doses have shown adverse effects in some cases but no ill effects in others. In response to these uncertainties, California added 4-MEI to its list of probable carcinogens back in January 2011. To mitigate risk levels associated with consumption, they stipulated a maximum intake limit of 16 micrograms per day as their No Significant Risk Level. This photograph serves as a thought-provoking reminder that even seemingly harmless compounds can be subject to controversy and scrutiny within the realms of biology and medicine. It highlights the ongoing efforts by scientists and healthcare professionals to understand the potential health implications posed by various dietary components.
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