Fact About EDTA or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid Found in Mayonnaise

The Dangers of EDTA in Mayonnaise

EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a chemical used in chelation therapy and also as an ingredient in some foods, including mayonnaise. Medically, EDTA is administered intravenously to treat lead poisoning and remove heavy metals from the bloodstream. It is used as a preservative and stabilizer in foods and to protect the coloring of drinks. In mayonnaise, EDTA is used to prevent separation. EDTA is considered safe at the levels used in food, but can pose health risks if consumed in large quantities.

1. • The risk of EDTA consumption in healthy individuals is low, but high doses of the chemical can have a toxic effect that is damaging to the liver and kidneys. The levels of the chemical are far below toxic levels in foods, so one would have to consume many servings of mayonnaise in order to reach dangerous levels. It is unsafe to consume more than 3 g of EDTA per day for more than five to seven days.

   Nutrient Depletion

   • Though some heavy metals can be toxic to the body, we require many metals for important cellular reactions in our bodies. While reducing the levels of metals like lead and mercury in the body, consumption of EDTA also reduces important minerals like calcium, potassium and manganese. Calcium is important for bone production, potassium is an electrolyte and manganese supports pancreas, liver and kidney function. Also, reduced levels of calcium in the blood can cause seizures.

   Complications with Existing Conditions

   • Excessive EDTA consumption can lead to complications with diabetes, tuberculosis, heart arrhythmia, hypocalcaemia and asthma. Large EDTA doses can cause the breathing tubes to narrow in asthma patients and interact with insulin, interfering with a diabetes patient's blood sugar management. If you have had tuberculosis, you should avoid EDTA because it can release previously inactive bacteria inside of your lungs.

   Environmental Damage

   • EDTA is an organic pollutant that resists biodegrading and is hard to break down using chemical means. The chemical's environmental impact is not known at this time, but a build-up of EDTA over decades can pose unforeseen risks in the future.

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