09 Apr 2019 --- Regular consumption of the ubiquitous food additive tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) may suppress immune responses to the flu virus. This is according to research from the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). The tBHQ additive is used to extend shelf life, prevent rancidity and inhibit discoloration in food-grade products – but offers no health benefits. The study also found that tBHQ exposure could reduce the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine through its effects on T cells, a vital defense mechanism of the immune system.