From A to Zinc: The Chemistry of What We Consume

Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a world-renowned chemist and science communicator joins the pod to address some commonly asked questions! They kick-off the conversation by discussing the concept of superfoods and the need for a balanced diet, as well as the role of vitamins and supplements. They also touch on the origins of the belief that vitamin C can cure the common cold, tracing it back to Dr. Linus Pauling (and discuss the impact of eminence versus evidence). They walk through the evidence (or lack thereof) that vitamin C has role in treating the common cold. Dr. Joe discusses the exploitation of indigenous cures by American settlers and the rise of alternative medicine. The conversation touches on the topic of benzene and its potential toxicity (but that we do not need to throw out our sunscreen). Dr. Joe emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need to distinguish between legitimate scientific research and quackery. You do NOT want to miss this!

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PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.

Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers.

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Resources

• Joe Schwarcz PhD - Director, Office for Science and Society - Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/joe-schwarcz-phd-director

• Buy Superfoods, Silkworms, and Spandex: Science and Pseudoscience in Everyday Life on Amazon!

• https://www.mcgill.ca/oss

• https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-history/tale-benzene-poisoning-and-snake-snaring-its-own-tail

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/aamjiwnaang-first-nation-1.7186208#:~:text=Aamjiwnaang%20First%20Nation%20in%20southwestern,with%20headaches%2C%20nausea%20and%20dizziness

• https://www.valisure.com/valisure-newsroom/valisure-detects-benzene-in-benzoyl-peroxide

• https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutical-quality-resources/fda-alerts-drug-manufacturers-risk-benzene-contamination-certain-drugs

• https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use

• https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/06/health/benzene-acne-products-valisure/index.html

• https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-and-nutrition-history/can-vitamin-c-cure-common-cold-hold

• https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/medical-history/sordid-medicine-shows-exploited-indigenous-cures