Melamine & Renal Failure

Melamine, an industrial substance used in manufacturing, can cause acute renal failure, but its chemical resemblance to protein has led some food producers to add it to foods.

Renal Failure

• The renal system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, control urine production and elimination, according to Virtualmedicalcentre.com. Failure of this system due to disease or toxins can cause serious health problems or death.

Melamine

• Manufacturers commonly use the organic compound melamine to make fertilizers or plastics, according to the website Sciencebase. Kitchen tablecloths or tableware, for instance, may include melamine plastics.

Effects

• Melamine causes the kidneys to create a substance called cyanauric acid. This acid then forms crystals in the kidneys that lead to renal failure.

Addition to Foods

• Melamine's chemical structure can mimic proteins. Animal feeds and nutritional supplements with added melamine appear to have higher protein levels. A common agricultural pesticide called cyromazine can also degrade into melamine.

Chinese Milk Powder

• A Chinese milk powder with melamine added to boost its apparent protein content caused renal failure in thousands of babies, according to the BBC.