Zeranol

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Zeranol is a non-steroidal estrogenic compound used as a growth promoter in livestock, including beef cattle and sheep. It is a resorcylic acid lactone and a derivative of mycotoxin zearalenone, produced by the fungus Fusarium.

History[edit | edit source]

Zeranol was first approved for use in the United States in 1969 by the FDA. It is marketed under the trade names Ralgro and Ralone.

Use in livestock[edit | edit source]

Zeranol is used as a growth promoter in livestock, particularly beef cattle and sheep. It is administered via a subcutaneous ear implant. The compound promotes growth by increasing the rate of weight gain and improving feed efficiency.

Health effects[edit | edit source]

Zeranol has been shown to have estrogenic effects, which can lead to reproductive issues in animals. There is also concern about potential health effects in humans who consume meat from animals treated with zeranol, although the FDA maintains that the levels present in meat are safe for human consumption.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

Zeranol is approved for use in livestock in the United States and several other countries. However, it is banned in the European Union due to concerns about potential health effects.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Zeranol Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD