Popcorn Ingredient Diacetyl Tied To Alzheimer’s Disease By Bill Ebbesen
Alzheimer’s, popcorn flavor linked
A new study suggests that it may be unsafe to enjoy a common movie theater treat – buttered popcorn.
The recently released study says that diacetyl, an ingredient commonly found in buttered popcorn flavoring, may cause proteins in the brain to transform into beta amyloid, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers at the University of Minnesota also found that the substance is capable of making its way through the blood-brain barrier and lessen the brain’s ability to clear amyloid from the body.
Researchers were concerned about the link between diacetyl and Alzheimer’s since it took only a very small amount to have an effect on the brain’s chemistry.
More studies are needed, however, since initial research was done in test tubes rather than on live subjects. Robert Vince, PhD, drug design expert with the university, said that additional studies into the matter are planned in the future.
The study was published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.
