Ist Pudding mit Vanille‐Geschmack mutagen?

In the textbook “Technical Biochemistry” published in 2015, one can read that “Synthetic vanillin is not without concerns”. That's why it has been classified by the Advisory Board for Environmentally Relevant Existing Chemicals of the German Chemical Society with the highest hazard level as carcinogenic, mutagenic, DNA and chromosome damaging. We will scientifically explain why this statement came about, how it is false, and why it has survived as a rumor so long.     

Ist Kaffeetrinken gesund?

Coffee is a frequently consumed food with preventive properties. Nowadays, more than 1000 compounds have been identified in coffee so far. Altogether, there is compelling evidence for positive health effects of moderate (3–4 cups per day) coffee consumption. Positive correlations were reported for risks of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Cancer risk is in general not increased, yet for some cancers even reduced risks were reported. Despite the discussed occurrence of contaminants like acrylamide, furan or ochratoxin A, coffee consumption may be considered with an overall positive effect on human health.     

Ist Nikotin ein Suchtmittel?

Die amerikanische Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hat die Frage aufgeworfen, ob die Zigarettenindustrie ihre Produkte mit der Absicht vertreibt, eine Suchtmittelabhängigkeit zu erzeugen bzw. zu befriedigen. Wäre dies der Fall, so könnten Zigaretten als Arzneimittel eingestuft und ihr Besitz und Vertrieb gesetzlich geregelt werden.