All About Melamine

What is melamine?

Melamine is an organic base chemical most commonly found in the form of white crystals rich in nitrogen

What is melamine generally used for?

Melamine is widely used in plastics, adhesives, countertops, dishware, whiteboards.

Why was melamine added into milk and powdered infant formula

In China, where adulteration has occurred, water has been added to raw milk to increase its volume. As a result of this dilution the milk has a lower protein concentration. Companies using the milk for further production (e.g. of powdered infant formula) normally check the protein level through a test measuring nitrogen content. The addition of melamine increases the nitrogen content of the milk and therefore its apparent protein content.

Addition of melamine into food is not approved by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius (food standard commission), or by any national authorities.

Has melamine been found in other food products?

In 2007, melamine was found in wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate exported from China and used in the manufacture of pet food in the United States. This caused the death of a large number of dogs and cats due to kidney failure.

In the present event, melamine contamination has been found in a number of different brands of powdered infant formula, in one brand of a frozen yogurt dessert and in one brand of canned coffee drink. All these products were most probably manufactured using ingredients made from melamine-contaminated milk.

What are the health effects of melamine consumptions in humans?

While there are no direct human studies on the effect of melamine data from animal studies can be used to predict adverse health effects. Melamine alone causes bladder stones in animal tests. When combined with cyanuric acid, which may also be present in melamine powder, melamine can form crystals that can give rise to kidney stones.

These small crystals can also block the small tubes in the kidney potentially stopping the production of urine, causing kidney failure and, in some cases, death. Melamine has also been shown to have carcinogenic effects in animals in certain circumstances, but there is insufficient evidence to make a judgment on carcinogenic risk in humans.

What are the symptoms and signs of melamine poisoning?

Irritability, blood in urine, little or no urine, signs of kidney infection, high blood pressure

What is the treatment for kidney stones and kidney failure?

Patients may receive various types of treatment, depending on the severity of the kidney effects. Treatment may include infusion of fluids and urine alkalinisation, correction of electrolyte and acid-base disturbance, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, or surgical removal of kidney stones.


SOurce: ExtraReading

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The Heath Benefits of Ginseng

The herb known as ginseng is native to the harsh conditions of Siberia, as well as to many parts of the Asian continent, and it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. For centuries, ginseng has been used as an energy tonic by the Chinese, who continue to use it for this purpose even today. In the western world, ginseng is being studied for a number of purposes, from treating stress to increasing levels of alertness and mental clarity.

Many studies have shown that ginseng is able to reduce levels of stress in both men and women. In many clinical studies of the herb’s effects, those taking regular ginseng supplements were able to withstand higher levels of emotional and physical stress than those who had never taken the herb. In addition to its traditional role as stress fighter, ginseng has shown great promise at reducing fatigue, increasing memory and even fighting off colds, flu and other infections.

The herb we know as ginseng contains a number of compounds which seem to be unique to this plant. Many of these unique elements seem to have a strong effect on the adrenal glands, which rest on the top of the kidneys. The function of the adrenal glands is to secrete hormones which are used to ward off both physical and emotional stress. Scientists believe that it is this effect on the adrenal glands that is responsible for the stress fighting power of ginseng.

Ginseng is also one of the few herbs that have shown promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition has puzzled doctors for decades, and there is no widely accepted treatment for the overwhelming fatigue that typifies the condition. However, those suffering from CFS often report an improvement in their symptoms after taking regular ginseng supplements.

Ginseng is one of the most widely available of all herbal supplements, and one of the most commercially produced. It is important, therefore, for those shopping for a ginseng supplement to choose one made with the highest quality ingredients. It is also important to look for a ginseng supplement which has been processed as little as possible, as excessive processing is thought to reduce the effectiveness of herbal products.

Types of Ginseng

There are two distinct types of ginseng grown in the world, American ginseng (white or yellow in color) and Asiatic ginseng (red color). They claim that American ginseng has a cooling quality on the body versus a heating quality for Asiatic ginseng. The traditional Ying and Yang if you will.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.)

American ginseng seems to be the most common name. Panax quinquefolium is native to Eastern North America from Southern Ontario to Georgia and as far west as Wisconsin. Panax quinquefolium is now also grown in China. Panax quinquefolium is believed to give a cooling effect to the body.This cooling, energy giving, endurance enhancing factor is believed to be the most beneficial for our fast paced, stressful world.

Asiatic Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)

Asian, Korean, or Chinese ginseng (all common names) refers to a plant native to North Korea and China but Red Ginseng is a processed product and is made from steaming Korean grown Panax white ginseng for 8 - 10 hours then drying; often it is processed further into tea, capsules or slices. Panax ginseng is used to warm the body.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis)

Siberian ginseng, is a commonly found product given the common name of ginseng. It is not a true ginseng or it would have the genus Panax. It is though, related to the ginseng group as they both are in the Araliaceae family of plants, a very large grouping, including devil's club and sarsasparilla. Siberian ginseng does not have the chemicals called ginsenocides in its root but are said to have chemicals that do similar thing s. It is grown in Russia and China mainly and is native to East Russia and down to the Japanese Island of Hokkaido. The common name ginseng is so attached to this plant we will probably never get rid of it but customers should know it is not a true ginseng.