A new MAHA Films documentary claims food additives, seed oils, herbicides, and fluoride are harming Americans. Experts weigh in on what the research says.
MAHA Movement Goes On Screen
On Tuesday, MAHA Films debuted Toxic Nation: From Fluoride to Seed Oils, the first installment in a four-part documentary series aiming to spotlight hidden threats to American health. The film aligns with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign spearheaded by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who believes America’s chronic disease crisis stems from overlooked food and environmental factors.
The film, released online, was produced in partnership with MAHA Action, a nonprofit that supports Kennedy’s public health advocacy. According to the film’s creators, the goal is to raise awareness about four commonly encountered substances: ultraprocessed foods, seed oils, herbicides like glyphosate, and fluoride in drinking water.
What the Documentary Claims
The documentary argues that these four factors—integrated into daily American life—are driving the nation’s chronic disease epidemic. “If we can love our children more than we hate each other, we can solve the chronic disease epidemic affecting them,” said director Jeff Hays, quoting Kennedy’s public health ethos.
The release follows the May 22 publication of the MAHA Commission’s first report, which proposes a comprehensive federal policy overhaul. However, the initiative faces potential obstacles due to ongoing budget cuts and workforce reductions at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Scientific Debate Over Ultraprocessed Foods
One of the film’s central claims is that ultraprocessed foods contribute significantly to diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions. These foods make up nearly 70% of the U.S. food supply and are typically high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while being low in fiber and nutrients.
Extensive research supports links between these foods and poor health outcomes, including studies connecting them to cognitive decline, cancer, and early death. Experts suggest reducing consumption by prioritizing whole foods and reading ingredient labels to minimize additives and preservatives.
Seed Oils Under Scrutiny
The film also challenges long-standing dietary guidance around seed oils—such as canola, sunflower, and soybean oils—alleging they contribute to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation due to their chemical structure and processing methods.
While the bulk of nutritional research still supports plant-based oils as healthier than animal fats, some recent studies suggest that overuse or repeated heating of these oils may introduce harmful byproducts. Alternatives like extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil are recommended for those concerned.
Glyphosate: Controversial Yet Widespread
The herbicide glyphosate, widely used in agriculture, is another focus of the film. It’s been linked to cancer, gut microbiome disruption, and endocrine issues. A 2019 meta-analysis found a 41% higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among those exposed.
Despite these findings, the EPA maintains that glyphosate poses no significant public health risk when used as directed. The agency’s stance, however, contradicts classifications by international health bodies, and lawsuits against glyphosate producers continue to mount.
Fluoride Debate Resurfaces
The film criticizes fluoride in drinking water, specifically hydrofluorosilicic acid, for potential links to thyroid issues, arsenic exposure, and lowered IQ in children. The substance differs chemically from the sodium fluoride used in dental products.
While the CDC and ADA maintain that water fluoridation reduces dental decay by at least 25%, some studies have highlighted potential neurodevelopmental risks at higher exposure levels. For families concerned about fluoride, certified water filters offer one mitigation option.
Balancing Risks and Realities
Although Toxic Nation presents a stark picture of the American environment and food system, many health experts stress a balanced view. “The benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, even if not organic, outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure,” said Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group. With more installments of the documentary series on the horizon, the debate over what’s truly toxic—and what’s simply controversial—appears far from settled.
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