PCOS: what we track
Ingredients with published research that bears on polycystic ovary syndrome. There is far less of it than for most topics, and when nothing is flagged the app says Unknown rather than offering reassurance.
- Bisphenol A (BPA)A building block of hard plastics and can linings that can migrate into contents.
- CadmiumA toxic metal that crops take up from soil and fertiliser, so cereals, vegetables, cocoa and shellfish carry most of the dietary intake. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- LeadA toxic metal that reaches food through soil, water, old pipes and some imported spices, cosmetics and traditional remedies. A contaminant, never a listed ingredient.
- Partially Hydrogenated OilsVegetable oil chemically hardened to extend shelf life.
- PFAS compoundsFluorinated compounds that make products water-resistant and long-wearing.
- PFHxSA six-carbon fluorinated chemical used in firefighting foams and stain repellents, and a persistent contaminant of water and food.
- PFOSA long-chain fluorinated chemical used for water and stain resistance, and a persistent environmental contaminant.
- Phthalates (DEHP)A plasticizer used to keep packaging and flexible components pliable.
- Bisphenol F (BPF)A bisphenol used where BPA has been replaced.
- High-Fructose Corn SyrupA liquid sweetener made by converting corn starch glucose into fructose.
- Soy isoflavonesPlant compounds in soy that bind weakly to oestrogen receptors.
- Acesulfame K (E950)A high-intensity sweetener, usually blended with another.
- AspartameA low-calorie sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar.
- Saccharin (E954)One of the oldest high-intensity sweeteners, used in toothpaste as well as food.
- Sucralose (E955)A high-intensity sweetener used in diet drinks and reduced-sugar foods.