Propylene glycol

Studies in people

• Concern

  Harm from eating too much²

  A woman who ate large amounts of corn starch mixed with baking soda built up propylene glycol and became very ill.

Study type not stated

• Open question

  Daily intake from drinks³

  Propylene glycol in drinks stays below the safe daily amount, even for children who drink a lot.

• Concern

  Red blood cell health⁵

  Propylene glycol can build up in the blood and change red blood cells.

How it’s made and used

• How much we eat⁴

  Propylene glycol was found in most Korean foods tested, with bread adding the most to daily intake.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.