Warning: Baby food?

[RascalRatties]

I know giving oranges to rats can be harmful, and I just noticed the strawberry banana flavored baby food I've been using to mask medicine had citric acid in it. Is this just as bad?

[JuliaDC]

Interesting question. This page from the RMCA notes that it's the D-limonene in orange peel that causes cancer in male rats:

http://www.rmca.org/Articles/oj.htm

Citric acid is a common additive in people and pet food (to give things a more sour, fruity taste I guess). It doesn't sound like it would cause the same problems as orange peel.

[WS]

No.  And in my opinion, it would take an extraordinarily large dose of orange peel/oil for even a male rat to be effected in any way.  D-limonene in the peels of oranges and other citrus fruits causes kidney problems/carcinogenic effects in male rats but d-limonene is mainly in the peel/rind oil of the fruit and in small quantities in mechanically juiced fruit (commercial O.J.) -- this substance which binds to proteins which accumulate in the kidneys in males is thought to eventually build up and cause cancer. - But truthfully- it would take a lot of juice. -Basically replacing water.   The actual inside of the fruit is thought to be OK.

*If you are concerned about d-limonene and male rats -- be aware that MANGOES are even higher than orange juice in this substance and it may apply to the whole fruit rather than the rind only.


-- the watchword for all fruits is sparing.  One inch pieces, no whole glasses of juice     

[Mousie452]

Citrus acid as a food additive is NOT MADE FROM FRUIT. It is far too expensive to use citrus acid in this way. Most of it is made from a fermented mold alcohol. Try that on for tastey.

On a different note, I was wondering how much d-limonene would affect the rats as I've wanted to let them try the orange flavoured yogurt drops. I guess they must be ok then since its only a small treat.