ABSTRACT
Naturally occurring foods are generally assumed to be pure and free of toxicity. A number of micronutrients existing naturally in food have been examined for teratogenic properties when ingested or dosed orally to animals. Sucrose is processed from sugar cane or sugar beets for use as a sweetening agent for food. Several processed oils derived from plants and used in food preparation have been studied with respect to effects on mammalian development. In contrast to retinol, the B-complex vitamins are water soluble and are found in a wide variety of foods. Vitamin E or alpha-tocopherol is another fat-soluble vitamin present naturally in some fruits, seeds, nuts, and oils. Three methylxanthines commonly found in foods are pharmacologically active: caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Foods and beverages containing caffeine have a history of human usage dating back several thousand years. The most notable of these are, of course, coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate.
