Page 19 - Summer2014

Caustic Commentary

whose supporters include Coca-Cola, Hershey, Yum Brands, CAUSES OF VIOLENCE
Kraft, and McDonald's—presented a discussion in which the The malaria drug Lariam (mefloquine) is linked to grisly
panelists assured audience members that genetically modified crimes like that of Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, who
foods were safe and environmentally sustainable. A session murdered sixteen Afghan civilians in 2012; and the murder
entitled "Sweeteners in Schools: Keeping Science First in a of four wives of Fort Bragg soldiers in 2002. The FDA has
Controversial Discussion," sponsored by the Corn Refiners beefed up warnings about the drug's neurotoxic effects and
Association, whose members produce and sell high-fructose users are now given a medication guide and wallet card, but
corn syrup, hosted a panel composed of three of the trade the drug and its generic versions are still the third most pre-
group's representatives. The panelists bemoaned some schools' scribed malaria medication in the U.S., with over two hundred
decision to remove chocolate milk from their cafeteria menus. thousand prescriptions annually. A recent paper admitted that
Later, one panelist said that she'd been dismayed to learn that Lariam may be behind "seemingly spectacular and impulsive
some schools had banned sugary treats from classroom Val- suicides." It produces "derealization and depersonalization,
entine's Day parties, which "could be a teachable moment for compulsions toward dangerous objects, and morbid curiosity
kids about moderation." The moderator nodded in agreement, about death" (OpEdNews.com, April 8, 2014). Drugs like these
and insisted that all sugars contain the same calories, so you coupled with the recommended lowfat, high-carbohydrate
can't say that there is one ingredient causing the obesity crisis" diet make a recipe for violent behavior. A recent study from
(motherjones.com, May 12, 2014). Denmark found that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet limited
fear and aggression in test animals (PLos ONE 9(4), April
16, 2014).

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