Chemicals for Consumers
Chemicals for Consumers
Chemicals for Consumers
Competency:
The learner should be able to appreciate that the products used in everyday life exist as chemicals and
some of them can be prepared at home or in the laboratory.
Introduction.
In our everyday life there are numerous chemicals that we use for different purposes. These chemicals can
be obtained from the environment while some can be manufactured from industries and put onto markets.
There are very many groups of these chemicals but we shall talk about the common ones that include
detergents, drugs and food additives.
In Uganda, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is responsible for testing and establishing
compliance with specifications and regulation of chemical limits in products such as perfumes and flavors,
cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, detergents and household chemicals.
1. Food additives.
Food additives are substances intentionally added to food to;
i) Improve safety and increase shelf life e.g., preservatives
ii) Enhance sensory qualities e.g., color, taste and flavor
iii) Improve processing and handling e.g., stabilizers, emulsifiers etc.
Natural food additives are substances derived from natural sources such as plants and animals or
minerals. They are used to enhance the flavor, appearance, shelf life of food.
Common categories
Colorants like tomatoes, red pepper chili, beetroot, tomatoes, red pepper, turmeric chlorophyl etc.
Flavouring agents like onions, tomatoes, red pepper chili, pepper mint, green pepper garlic, ginger
etc.
Preservatives like salt, honey, vinegar
Anti-oxidants like ascorbic acid in citrus fruits, vitamin E found in nuts, spinach and vegetables,
lutein and zeaxanthins in leafy vegetables, polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables etc
Emulsifiers and stabilizers like lecithin from soy or eggs, pectin found in fruits, gelatin from animal
collagen
Sweeteners like honey
Thickeners like starches (corn starch, arrowroot), gums (xanthan gum, agar, guar), proteins (gelatin,
egg white), pectin in fruits
Artificial food additives are synthetically produced substances that are not found in nature. They are
used for similar purpose as natural additives but are often more stable and cost effective.
Common Categories
b. Antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent oxidation, a chemical reaction that can cause food to spoil and lose quality.
They work by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to
spoilage.
Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E, as well as synthetic compounds like butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxy anisole
c. Flavouring Agents
Flavouring agents enhance or impart flavor to food. They can be natural, derived from plants, animals, or
minerals, or artificial, created synthetically to mimic natural flavors.
These agents work by interacting with taste receptors on the tongue and olfactory receptors in the nose,
creating the perception of specific tastes and aromas
e. Sweeteners
Sweeteners provide sweetness to food without the calories of sugar.
They can be natural, like stevia and honey, or artificial, like aspartame and sucralose.
Sweeteners work by binding to sweet taste receptors on the tongue, triggering the sensation of sweetness
f. Colorants
Colorants are used to add or restore color in food, making it more appealing.
Natural colorants are derived from sources like fruits, vegetables, and minerals, while artificial colorants
are synthetically produced.
They work by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, which gives food its color
g. Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers help mix ingredients that normally don't combine well, such as oil and water.
They work by reducing the surface tension between the two substances, allowing them to form a stable
mixture. Common emulsifiers include lecithin from soy beans, mono- and diglycerides from fats, and
polysorbates,
Sulfites and benzoates can trigger asthma Opt for fresh or minimally processed
symptoms in susceptible people. foods to reduce exposure to
preservatives.
Some preservatives, like nitrates and
nitrites, have been linked to an increased Use natural preservatives like
risk of cancer vinegar, salt, and rosemary extract.
Antioxidants Some synthetic antioxidants, like BHA and Choose foods with natural
BHT, can cause allergic reactions. antioxidants like vitamin C and E.
There are concerns about the long-term Limit intake of processed foods
safety of some synthetic antioxidants containing synthetic antioxidants.
Flavouring Natural and artificial flavorings can cause Opt for natural flavorings and avoid
Agents allergic reactions in some individuals. artificial ones when possible.
Some artificial flavorings have been linked Keep track of any adverse reactions
to behavioral problems in children and avoid specific flavorings that
cause issues.
Stabilizers and Some stabilizers and thickeners, like Use natural thickeners like agar-agar,
Thickening carrageenan, can cause digestive problems. pectin, and gelatin.
Agents
Certain individuals may be allergic to Avoid products containing thickeners
specific thickeners. that cause adverse reactions
Sweeteners Some artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol and Use natural sweeteners like honey,
mannitol, can cause bloating and diarrhea. stevia, and maple syrup.
There are concerns about the long-term Avoid products with synthetic
safety of some synthetic emulsifiers. emulsifiers that cause adverse
reactions
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) BVO is used to keep citrus BVO has been linked to
flavoring from separating in neurological symptoms and
sodas and other beverages thyroid issues
Potassium Bromate Potassium bromate is used as a It is classified as a possible
flour improver to strengthen human carcinogen by the
dough and enhance its rise International Agency
Propylparaben Propylparaben is used as a Concerns about its potential
preservative in foods, cosmetics, endocrine-disrupting effects and
and pharmaceuticals links to breast cancer
Red Dye No. 3 (Erythrosine used to color foods, cosmetics, It has been linked to cancer in
and pharmaceuticals. animal studies.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) ADA is used as a flour bleaching causes respiratory issues and its
agent and dough conditioner. breakdown product, semi
carbazide, which has been
linked to cancer in animal
studies.
Summary on food additives
Category of food function Used in (products Examples of names on
additive with the additive) product labels
Preservatives Inhibit the growth of Soft drinks, processed Calcium propionate,
bacteria, molds, fungi, and meat, baked goods, ice salt, citric acid, sodium
yeast which can cause food cream etc. benzoate, sodium
spoilage. nitrate etc.
Sweeteners Add sweetness with extra Beverages, baked goods, Sucrose (sugar),
calories confections, table-top glucose, dextrose,
sugar, many processed fructose, corn syrup,
foods high fructose corn
syrup, molasses, maple
syrup, evaporated cane
juice, honey
2. MEDICINES
Medicines are substances used to diagonise, treat, or prevent diseases and medical conditions. They
can be derived from natural sources, synthesized in laboratories, or combination of both.
Different medicines are used for different purposes and with that, they can be put into different
classes or categories i.e., Analgesics (pain relievers), Anti biotics (infection fighters) and
Psychotherapeutic (Mental health).
These medicines can further be grouped into two as Traditional or herbal medicines and Modern or
Pharmaceutical medicines
Types of medicines.
1. Traditional medicines (herbal medicines).
These are derived from plants and animals and used to prevent or treat illness. They are normally
used as extracts.
Analgesics
a) Ginger (zingiber officinale)
It reduces pain and inflammation, treats nausea and digestive issues
Psychotherapeutics
a) Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
It has a calming effect
Mitigations
Purchase traditional medicines from reputable sources, herbalists to ensure quality and safety
Monitor your body’s response to traditional medicines and report any adverse effects to healthcare
provider immediately
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any traditional medicine
Use of small amounts of traditional medicines other than excess.
c) Codeine, this is an opioid analgesic used to treat mild to moderately severe pain.
It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception of pain
and emotional response to pain.
Codeine is also used as a cough suppressant due to its ability to reduce the activity in the part of the
brain that causes coughing. Others include tramadol, hydrocodone, and oxycodone etc
ii) Antibiotics
The are medications used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or in habiting their growth.
a) Some antibiotics prevent bacteria from forming cell walls, which are essential for survival. Without cell
wall, bacteria cannot maintain their structure and eventually die. Eg penicillin, ammoxylin and
cephalosporins etc.
b) Antibiotics such as tetracyclines and macrolides bind to bacterial ribosomes which are essential for
protein synthesis. This prevents bacteria from producing protein necessary for their growth and function
c) Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin inhibit enzymes involved in bacterial DNA replication preventing
bacteria from multiplying.
iii) Psychotherapeutics
The are medications used to treat mental health disorders by affecting brain chemistry and function. These
drugs help manage symptoms of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and ADHD.
They work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain.
a) Stimulants
Stimulants are used to increase alertness, attention, and energy. They are commonly prescribed for
conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly
dopamine and norepinephrine. This enhances communication between neurons, improving focus
and reducing hyperactivity
Examples of stimulants
Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Used to treat ADHD by increasing dopamine and
norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Amphetamine (Adderall), Also used for ADHD and narcolepsy, it increases the release of
dopamine and norepinephrine.
Modafinil (Provigil), Used to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders by promoting
wakefulness.
b) Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders. They
help improve mood, sleep, and appetite.
Antidepressants work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin,
norepinephrine, and dopamine. Different classes of antidepressants target these neurotransmitters
in various ways
Examples of antidepressants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)Increase serotonin levels by inhibiting its
reuptake into neurons. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples
include amitriptyline and nortriptyline
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks
down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil)
and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
c) Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are used to manage symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, and
disordered thinking. They are commonly prescribed for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps reduce psychotic
symptoms. Atypical antipsychotics also affect serotonin receptors⁸.
Examples of anti-psychotics
Typical Antipsychotics, these primarily block dopamine receptors. Examples include haloperidol
(Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
Atypical Antipsychotics, these blocks both dopamine and serotonin receptors. Examples include
risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa).
Anxiolytics: Used to treat anxiety disorders by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter
GABA, which has a calming effect on the brain.eg, Diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan)⁷.
Mood Stabilizers: Used to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder by stabilizing mood
swings.eg,Lithium, valproate
Advantages of Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic drugs are produced under controlled conditions, ensuring high consistency and purity. This
means each dose is identical, which is crucial for effectiveness and safety
They can be produced in large quantities, making them widely available and often more affordable than
natural counterparts
Scientists can modify the chemical structure of synthetic drugs to enhance their effectiveness, reduce side
effects, or target specific conditions
Synthetic drugs can cause side effects ranging from mild (e.g., nausea, dizziness) to severe (e.g.,
allergic reactions, organ damage)
Some synthetic drugs, especially opioids and stimulants, have a high potential for addiction and
dependence
Overuse of certain synthetic drugs, such as antibiotics, can lead to resistance, making them less
effective over time.
Especially with newer synthetic drugs, there can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects
due to lack of long-term studies
Always use synthetic drugs as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not exceed the
recommended dose or duration of use
Regularly monitor for any side effects and report them to your healthcare provider. This helps in
adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication if necessary
Educate patients about the potential side effects and the importance of adhering to prescribed
guidelines
a) Analgesics
Analgesics are medications designed to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
They work by targeting different pathways involved in pain perception.
How they work
i) Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins in the brain, which are chemicals that
promote inflammation, pain, and fever.
b) Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth.
c) Psychotherapeutic Drugs
Psychotherapeutic drugs are used to treat mental health disorders by affecting brain chemistry and
function.