Why BVO is Dangerous to Bones

Did you know that Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO), a common ingredient in sodas and sports drinks in the US, poses serious risks to your bone health?

Despite being flagged as a health concern back in the 1970s, it took decades for regulators to act.

Why BVO is Dangerous to Bones

BVO contains bromine, which can;

• Disrupt calcium absorption by interfering with thyroid function, critical for bone health.

• Reduce Vitamin D metabolism, weakening bones over time.

• Lead to bone mineral loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

The Timeline of Action

1970s: Research linked BVO to toxicity and fat tissue accumulation. Concerns about thyroid and metabolic health were identified. The FDA stated in 1970 that the additive was NOT generally safe!

1980/1990s: BVO’s potential to cause thyroid dysfunction and interfere with iodine uptake was documented. Concerns about its bromine content gained attention.

2000s: Growing consumer advocacy and research highlighted its potential risks to bone health.

2012: Public outcry gained momentum when a Change.org petition by a teenager against BVO in popular drinks like Gatorade and Mountain Dew went viral.

2024: After decades of debate, BVO was banned by the FDA in August 2024, giving manufacturers until 2025 to reformulate. That means BVO is still widely used in food and beverages being consumed in the US today, and this is still having a direct effect on bone health!

Big Food donated over $27 million in political lobbying in 2024, so it’s no surprise that it has taken over 54 years to ban BVO in the US!

BVO in Australia and other Countries

Australia has never approved BVO in food or beverages. It is now also banned in Europe, Japan, India and Canada (only since 2024).

The Takeaway

There are over 2000 largely unregulated additives used in ultra processed food and beverages in the US. How many of these also affect bone health and overall metabolic health? Who knows?

It is alarming how long it can take for regulatory bodies to act on KNOWN health risks, like BVO.

But, unfortunately, it also takes decades for authorities to endorse scientifically proven strategies like OsteoStrong, which has been proven to protect bone health.

So, while it took decades for regulators to recognise the dangers of BVO, forward-thinking individuals can take charge of their bone health today with proven solutions like OsteoStrong—because the science is clear, even if it takes time for the world to catch up!