Unacceptable Ingredients

Acesulfame-K (Ace-K)

An artificial antioxidant preservative. Carcinogenic, it accumulates in the lungs, liver, and kidneys and is associated with stomach tumors in animal studies. 123123

Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal)

An artificial sweetener. It has been linked to insulin resistance and high blood sugar.

Banned Substances (By International Athletic Federations)

Includes more than 200 substances (including anabolic agents, narcotics, and growth hormone secretagogues) that will disqualify an athlete from competition.

Benzoic Acid

Artificial preservatives. When mixed with vitamin C it can yield benzene, which is carcinogenic.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

An artificial antioxidant preservative. Carcinogenic, it accumulates in the lungs, liver, and kidneys and is associated with stomach tumors in animal studies.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

An artificial antioxidant preservative. It accumulates in the liver, and is associated with liver tumors in animal studies.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

A plasticizer used in water bottles and other plastic containers. It mimics estrogen in the body and can disrupt thyroid hormones, causing infertility, miscarriage, erectile dysfunction. Also can adversely influence fetal development and increase cancer r

Carmine (Cochineal, Natural Red 4)

A natural red/crimson dye. Made from female cochineal insects, it can cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

Cyclamates

Artificial sweeteners. They are allowed in Canada and Europe but banned in the U.S. (where the FDA has not found evidence of safety). Studies have associated them with bladder tumors in rodents and testicular atrophy and sperm disruption in monkeys.