When ethylene glycol (molecular weight, 62.07) polymerizes, reacts with itself (in water), the reaction yields a variety of products containing varying numbers of ethylene glycol units. Polyethylene glycol is a polyether compound, meaning that it consists of multiple ether groups. Propylene glycol is also an anti-caking agent, antioxidant, dough strengthener, emulsifier, flavor agent, formulation aid, stabilizer and thickener, glazing agent, texturizer, and antimicrobial agent (helping to kill or slow the growth of microorganisms, like bacteria or fungi that may contaminate food). In another case, a 15-month-old child was given oral doses of vitamin C dissolved in propylene glycol. Systemic dermatitis has been reported after eating foods and taking medications and intravenous drugs that contain propylene glycol (33, 34, 35). Exactly how dangerous PEG truly is, is yet to be determined. [46] PEGs are prepared by polymerization of ethylene oxide and are commercially available over a wide range of molecular weights from 300g/mol to 10,000,000g/mol.[47]. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is another name for PEG. was originally published on Dr. Jill's blog on March 3, 2022; used with permission. Moghaddas F, Tsiougkos N, Grammatikos A, Bright PD, Johnston S, Gompels M. World Allergy Organ J. Calzetta L, Chetta A, Aiello M, Frizzelli A, Ora J, Melis E, Facciolo F, Ippoliti L, Magrini A, Rogliani P. Vaccines (Basel). polyethylene (PE), light, versatile synthetic resin made from the polymerization of ethylene. It's also present in many cosmetics, dog food, and hygiene products. Keep from freezing. You can also check the labels of cosmetic products, though avoiding it may be difficult. Both say there is no soy protein or . In fact I use my own clean beauty products, like the Dr. Jill Biopeptide Beauty cream that contains trace PEG daily. Gooey drinks and foods may have brominated vegetable oils, BVO's, or some form of a petrochemical commonly referred to as PEG, or a derivative of it. [50], PEG and related polymers (PEG phospholipid constructs) are often sonicated when used in biomedical applications. Here's a look at the evidence on. Its not only impossible but also unnecessary to attempt to avoid PEG altogether. But the fact that its also an ingredient in antifreeze raises concerns about the possible side effects of eating any food contaminated with it. The size distribution can be characterized statistically by its weight average molecular weight (Mw) and its number average molecular weight (Mn), the ratio of which is called the polydispersity index (M). [44][45] Allergy to PEG is usually discovered after a person has been diagnosed with an allergy to an increasing number of seemingly unrelated products, including processed foods, cosmetics, drugs, and other substances that contain PEG or were manufactured with PEG. Anaphylactic reactions to macrogol are rarely reported. If you have kidney or liver disease, the process of eliminating the compound is also slow. . Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to humans and is not used in food products. It is, thus, imperative to assess potential PEG degradation to ensure that the final material does not contain undocumented contaminants that can introduce artifacts into experimental results.[51]. In comparison, one person who developed symptoms of toxicity was receiving 213 grams of propylene glycol per day. Do you have a history of an immediate (<4 h) or severe allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polysorbate or polyoxyl 35 castor oil (e.g. Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using. Crown Copyright 2020. Guar gum is a common additive used in processed foods. Unfortunately, if propylene glycol is used as a carrier or solvent for another additive, such as flavor or color instead of a direct ingredient, it may not be listed on the food label (36). Follow the instructions on the medicine label. In manufacturing processes, PEGS are used as water-based coatings, anti-dusting agents in agricultural products, brighteners in electroplating, cleaners and detergents, moisturizers in cosmetic products, dye carriers for paints and inks, packaging products, non-stick agents for molded products, color stabilizers for paper, ceramics manufacture, a softener and anti-static agent in textile manufacture and in soldering fluxes. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. Would you like email updates of new search results? POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (pol ee ETH i leen; GLYE col) prevents and treats occasional constipation. The World Health Organization recommends a maximum intake of 11.4 mg of propylene glycol per pound of body weight (25 mg/kg) per day. Do not add starch-based thickeners to this medicine. Learn what research has found about this controversial ingredient. When used as a laxative, polyethylene glycol is typically taken in powder form mixed with water or juice and can be found under various names including:3. a US Food and Drug Administration exemption status was granted for the investigational use of PEG . Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Once you drink your first dose, do not eat anything until after you are finished with your test. The estimated exposure to propylene glycol through foods in the US is 15 mg per pound (34 mg/kg) per day (9). This enzyme is essential for the breakdown of propylene glycol (1, 9, 20). Lets explore some of the common uses for polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is made from ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol), the main ingredient in antifreeze. 2023 Jan;16(1):100740. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100740. But just how safe is polyethylene glycol? ", "MHRA warning after allergic reactions in NHS staff given COVID-19 vaccine", "Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: Health Canada recommendations for people with serious allergies", "EU regulator gives conditional approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine", "DNA binding proteins explore multiple local configurations during docking via rapid rebinding", "Macrotribological Studies of Poly(L-lysine)-graft-Poly(ethylene glycol) in Aqueous Glycerol Mixtures", Anti-Freeze is Not a Green Wood Stabilizer Buzz Saw, The Rockler Blog, "Conservators preserve the paint layers of the Terracotta Army", "Bioactive modification of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels for tissue engineering", "Macrophages Influence Vessel Formation in 3D Bioactive Hydrogels", "Modification of adenovirus gene transfer vectors with synthetic polymers: a scientific review and technical guide", "RNAi therapeutics: SNALPing siRNAs in vivo", "Postexposure protection of non-human primates against a lethal Ebola virus challenge with RNA interference: a proof-of-concept study", "A simple method for the determination of the pore radius of ion channels in planar lipid bilayer membranes", "Use of nonelectrolytes reveals the channel size and oligomeric constitution of the Borrelia burgdorferi P66 porin", "Army Scientists, Engineers develop Liquid Body Armor", "Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers", "Anti-PEG immunity: emergence, characteristics, and unaddressed questions", "Immediate-type hypersensitivity to polyethylene glycols: a review", "Immediate Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbates: More Common Than We Have Recognized", "High-purity discrete PEG-oligomer crystals allow structural insight", "Potential Contaminants - 1,4-Dioxane A Manufacturing Byproduct", "Rapid detection of polyethylene glycol sonolysis upon functionalization of carbon nanomaterials", "PEG 4000, 6000, 8000, 12000 | Polyethylene glycol", Oregon State University informational paper on using PEG as a wood stabilizer, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polyethylene_glycol&oldid=1151473927, Short description is different from Wikidata, Chemicals that do not have a ChemSpider ID assigned, Articles containing unverified chemical infoboxes, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2020, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from April 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 2022 Jan;149(1):168-175.e4. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a versatile polyether being utilized in various applications, in particular in medicine. paclitaxel) containing injectable or vaccine? An algorithm is proposed to safely investigate suspected PEG allergy, with guidance on PEG molecular weights and skin test dilutions to minimize the risk of systemic allergic reaction. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. 8600 Rockville Pike It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Propylene glycol is also quite common in fast foods, bread-based products, highly processed snack foods, flavored popcorn and cake frosting. More of a heavy duty polyethylene plastic is used in the freezer bags, as they need to be able to with stand extreme cold and still be able to protect the items within. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.05.020. The production of polyethylene glycol was first reported in 1859. Continue reading, MiraLAX, GlycoLax, ClearLax, GaviLAX, +3 more. FIND PRODUCTS WITH THIS INGREDIENT. Some specific groups are lauromacrogols, nonoxynols, octoxynols, and poloxamers. But is it safe to eat? show all 9 brands PEGs, in combination with other products, are used in toothpastes, breath fresheners and mouthwashes, including anti-plaque and antiseptic mouth rinses. [47] Since purification and separation of pure oligomers is difficult, the price for this type of quality is often 101000 fold that of polydisperse PEG. All rights reserved. Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) or macrogols are hydrophilic polymers found in everyday products such as foods, cosmetics, and medications. Do not save for later use. In foods, propylene glycol may be used in the following ways (3, 4, 5): Propylene glycol is commonly found in many packaged foods, such as drink mixes, dressings, dried soups, cake mix, soft drinks, popcorn, food coloring, fast foods, bread and dairy products (6). 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid products that contain the substance. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Is Guar Gum Healthy or Unhealthy? What is Propylene Glycol? The polyethylene is used to make the plastic film that will eventually become the sandwich bags. While propylene glycol is generally considered safe, you may still choose to avoid it if you are allergic or you simply want to reduce your intake. It has a variety of uses beyond being a food additive. Ingesting enough can cause death. While these symptoms may sound scary, it should be emphasized that many different medications and substances can cause similar symptoms when ingested or given in quantities that cause toxicity. This number represents the molecular weight of that specific compound. It plays a huge role in medical and pharmaceutical industries, but is also used in everything from food processing and polyutherane manufacturing to cleaners and detergents. For example, in one study, 19% of critical patients being treated with the drug lorazepam were observed to have signs of propylene glycol toxicity (19). Polyethylene glycol 3350 is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. A fresh, whole foods diet will naturally contain lower amounts of this additive. 1 Polyethylene glycol is not a single chemical entity in and of itself. Depending on its molecular weight, polyethylene glycol may have different appearances. Do not use polyethylene glycol 3350 more than once per day. PEG is considered biologically inert and safe by the FDA. Most PEGs include molecules with a distribution of molecular weights (i.e. An alternative can usually be found. Two patients developed anaphylaxis following intradermal test to PEG and 1 a systemic allergic reaction (without hypotension or respiratory distress) following PEG skin prick tests. See additional information. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. It is also used in injectable medications, like lorazepam, and in some creams and ointments that are applied to the skin, such as corticosteroids (2, 7). Polyethylene Glycol is just as bad as Propylene glycol. When consumed in toxic quantities, the buildup of lactic acid can lead to acidosis and kidney failure. The numbers that are often included in the names of PEGs indicate their average molecular weights (e.g. Additionally, 16 patients of a neurology clinic were given 402 mg of propylene glycol per pound (887 mg/kg) three times per day for three days. In this case, a rash may develop in sensitive people when their skin comes into contact with products that contain it, such as shampoo or moisturizer (6). Subscribe to our monthly free email newsletter, 2009-2022 Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine | Contact us, Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine, #ChemicalCallout: Polyethylene Glycol Compounds (PEGs) (madesafe.org), Polyethylene Glycol StatPearls NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov), Polyethylene glycol 3350 Uses, Side Effects & Warnings Drugs.com, The Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and their contaminants David Suzuki Foundation, Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use (nih.gov), Polyethylene Glycol-Induced Systemic Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) PubMed (nih.gov), Common and Rare Side Effects for polyethylene glycol 3350 oral (webmd.com), Probable neuropsychiatric toxicity of polyethylene glycol: roles of media, internet and the caregivers Hussain 2019 GastroHep Wiley Online Library, Pharmaceutical and Over-the-Counter Drugs, As cell-penetrating enhancers in vaccines. They vary in consistency from liquid to solid, depending on the molecular weight, as indicated by a number following the name. What is polyethylene glycol 3350? Rather it's a category of compounds in which polyethylene and glycol have been bonded together. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain; if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer. Animal studies also demonstrate that very high doses of propylene glycol can rapidly decrease heart rate, cause low blood pressure and even cause the heart to stop (25, 26). Thank you for your tax-deductible support! 2016 Dec 13;12:67. doi: 10.1186/s13223-016-0172-7. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic polymer produced via polymerization of ethylene oxide molecules to make joining units of ethylene glycol by an ether linkage. This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Modified from Banerji A et al. Like the two glycols, it is a sweet, syrupy liquid. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Mediterranean, Low-Fat Diets Are Best for Heart Problems, Least Amount of Exercise You Need to Stay Healthy, Nerve 'Pulse' Therapy May Help Ease Sciatica, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Potential Health Risks of Propylene Glycol in Food, How to Avoid Propylene Glycol in Your Food, Baking mixes for foods like cakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, biscuits, cupcakes, and pancakes. Polyethylene glycols hydrophilic properties make it a highly practical compound in countless cosmetic and personal care products from make-up to hair shampoo, and from anti-aging creams to baby wipes. Propylene glycol is a colorless, nearly odorless, thick liquid. It has practically no taste (1). Its chemical structure is CH 3 CH [OH]CH 3 OH. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. National Library of Medicine You should not use polyethylene glycol 3350 if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. They are used as thickeners, softeners, moisture-carrying agents, penetration enhancers, and surfactants. In this case, the child received 4.1 grams per pound (9 g/kg) of propylene glycol, which is a very high dose. Do not use polyethylene glycol 3350 in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Since PEG is a flexible, water-soluble polymer, it can be used to create very high, Polyethylene glycol is also commonly used as a polar stationary phase for, PEG has been used to preserve the painted colors on, PEG is often used (as an internal calibration compound) in, PEG has been used as the hydrophilic block of, PEG is a component of the propellent used in, PEG can be modified and crosslinked into a, An example study was done using PEG-diacrylate hydrogels to recreate vascular environments with the encapsulation of, PEG is commonly used as a crowding agent in, PEG is used to fuse two different types of cells, most often B-cells and myelomas in order to create, PEG is also under investigation for use in, PEG is also used as an anti-foaming agent in food and drinks, Dimethyl ethers of PEG are the key ingredient of. Epub 2023 Jan 7. Skin Testing and Basophil Activation Testing Is Useful for Assessing Immediate Reactions to Polyethylene Glycol-Containing Vaccines. Skin tests were undertaken to the index medications and to PEGs of different molecular weights. Apart from being used as a food additive, propylene glycol is also an active ingredient in engine coolants, airplane deicers, enamels, paints, varnishes, and polyurethane cushions.. After ingesting a food containing propylene glycol, about 45% of it will be excreted by the kidneys unchanged. Constipation is a common and uncomfortable problem for humans, as 20 percent of the general population experience this issue [ 1 ]. Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Jill Carnahan, M.D., A.B.F.M., A.B.I.H.M., I.F.M.C.P., uses functional medicine to help people find the answers to the cause of their illness and the nutritional and biochemical imbalances that may be making them feel ill. Functional medicine is personalized medicine that deals with root cause of disease instead of just treating symptoms. chemical waste image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com. Rather it's a category of compounds in which polyethylene and glycol have been bonded together. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. You can help! We present 5 cases of confirmed PEG allergy, which to our knowledge is the largest case series to date. Some websites state it is safe, while others claim it causes heart attacks, kidney and liver failure and brain problems. All rights reserved. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. Even some ice cream flavors contain propylene glycol. The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Increases the Contractile Sensitivity to Histamine and Parasympathetic Activation in a Human Ex Vivo Model of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma. For oral dosage form (powder for solution): Adults and children 17 years of age and older17 grams (g) once a day. [48], PEGs potentially contain toxic impurities, such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Polyethylene glycol (PEG): "Found in certain vitamins and industrial antifreeze. It works by causing water to be retained with the stool. FAIM depends on public donations to continue its work. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is "generally recognized as safe" for use in food. There are case reports of premature infants injected with large doses of vitamins containing propylene glycol that resulted in seizures (22, 23). Written by Cerner Multum. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. Anaphylaxis associated with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Approach to allergy investigation. chemical waste image by Antonio Oquias from, RxList: MiraLAX (Polyethylene Glycol 3350).
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