Alloxan, allegedly used in flour is used in labs to induce diabetes
Q. A chemical is allegedly used in the manufacture of refined flour. It is also related to diabetes. The chemical is- Published on 06 May 16a. Alloxol
b. Allochem
c. Insulin
d. Alloxan
ANSWER: Alloxan
- Alloxan, a chemical is allegedly used in the manufacture of refined flour.
- Alloxan is used in laboratories to induce diabetes in rats and to test the efficacy of anti-diabetic medicines but no tests have been scientifically done to detect its presence in India.
- Alloxan has been banned by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Delhi-based central body that has the final say on what additives are permissible in food.
- Alloxan’s chemical existence has been known since the 19th century, when it was discovered in human excretions, indicating that it could be synthesised in the body.
- Alloxan’s structure mimics that of glucose, which allows it to be absorbed by the pancreas and once inside the organ, it destroys insulin-producing beta cells.
However, according to the American Chemical Society, it cannot be taken up by the human pancreas, though it has been shown to be associated with liver and kidney toxicity.
