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Researcher(s):
Lauren Genn
ENVS course(s): 400 Initiated: September 2014 Completed: May 2015 Go to project site
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My project investigated processed food consumption in terms of antioxidants in foods. The thesis views the antioxidant and diabetes controversy through a precautionary principle lens. Vitamin C and E are commonly added to foods to preserve them in the global food network while also adding nutritive value. Vitamin C boosts antioxidant content, added nutritive value, and stabilize color, especially found in cereals, fruit drinks, and cured meats. Vitamin E in the form of alpha tocopherol is a nutritive antioxidant especially found in vegetable oils, cereals, and beverages. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, these two antioxidants are considered safe and given a green check mark. However, these additives have implications for diabetic patients, lowering blood glucose to dangerous levels, possibly increasing mortality, and cancer rates. My focus question is What can account for the varying perspectives on antioxidants incorporated into diets for diabetes patients? Methods are extensive research, literature review, and interviews with researchers, doctors, and healthcare practitioners, as well as narrative analysis. In addition, narrative analysis grounds the data in the controversies of antioxidant C and E use, toxicology, future trends of antioxidant research, and the role of narrative to reach conclusions about antioxidants and food additives in general. The experts in diabetes and antioxidants I interviewed all discussed the need for precaution in the wake of minimal knowledge and how antioxidant affect diabetics. The dose, as well as lack of testing, marketing, issues of funding, and notions of vitamins as natural were discussed by interviewees. The precautionary principle was viewed as the rational choice and advice for patients to abide by. The precautionary principle was also discussed as guiding individualized medicine. Currently the answer to this dilemma is not clear, however based on individual genetics, proteins, metabolites, and lifestyle and diet, research may soon have the ability to suggest consumption levels based on individual profiles. Through the interviews conducted, narratives have the ability to shape our understanding and suggest the safety of food additives to the listeners. Thus the way in which we tell stories affects the conclusion and the morality of actions. I argue the precautionary principle applies to the diabetes and antioxidant controversy.