DEA in Hairsprays, Hand Soaps, Shampoos, & Sunscreens Affects Memory Cells in Mice

Dr. Steven Zeisel's work with mice, at the University of North Carolina, shows DEA (diethanolamine) robs the developing brain of memory cells. The evidence suggests DEA blocks the brain's ability to absorb choline, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in the brain's memory cell making process. The research focuses on the developing brain in the fetus - where choline has a big impact on memory cell development. Scientists say that since the adult brain is already developed, the DEA memory effect would probably be minimal in the adult brain. DEA is used as a wetting or thickening agent in hairsprays, hand soaps, shampoos, and sunscreens. More than 100,000 tons of DEA are sold in the United States each year.

DEA is also listed on labels as:

• Lauramide diethanolamine
• Coco Diethanolamide
• Coconut oil amide of diethanolamine
• Lauramide DEA
• Lauric diethanolamide
• Lauroyl diethanolamide
• Lauryl diethanolamide.

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