Brominated vegetable oil

Definition

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) contains the atomic element bromine and is used to solubilize citrus oils within soft drinks.

Health considerations

Excess consumption of BVO notes adverse effects as consumers have reported memory loss, tremors, fatigue, loss of coordination, and headache that were reversed upon removal of bromine from within the body. Avoid BVO consumption whenever possible.

Keep in mind

In the United States, the use of BVO has been limited to 15ppm although it is currently still used in Mountain Dew, Powerade, and Fanta Orange among other drinks.

May be found in

Sugary sodas

References

Food Chemistry
The New York Times

Alternative Spellings and Names

BVO