Emulsifiers and Thickeners
Food additives that may disrupt gut barrier function
Emulsifiers are food additives used to mix ingredients that normally separate, such as oil and water. Common emulsifiers include lecithin, mono- and diglycerides, polysaccharide gums, and various synthetic compounds. They improve texture, stability, and shelf life of processed foods.
Key health issues to be aware of
Gut Barrier Disruption
Some emulsifiers, as shown in animal models, may weaken the intestinal barrier, potentially leading to increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") and inflammation.
Scientific Evidence
Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome
PaperDemonstrated in mice that common food emulsifiers can disrupt the gut microbiome and promote low-grade inflammation and metabolic syndrome
Microbiome Alterations
Research suggests certain emulsifiers may alter the composition and function of gut bacteria, potentially contributing to gut inflammation.
Scientific Evidence
Direct impact of commonly used dietary emulsifiers on human gut microbiota
PaperShowed that emulsifiers like carboxymethylcellulose can directly alter human gut microbiota, reducing species diversity.
Complete academic citations
- 1. Chassaing, B., Koren, O., Goodrich, J.K., et al. (2015). Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome. Nature. DOI: 10.1038/nature14232
Most emulsifiers used in food are approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). However, ongoing research continues to evaluate their long-term health effects.
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