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Highly processed foods and food additives -

Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are highly processed and contain additives. One of the main additives being examined for a link to colon cancer is emulsifier.

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2023 study -

A 2023 study published in the BMJ found men who ate the most amount of ultra-processed foods had a 29% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer when compared to men who ate the least amount.

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What is an emulsifier -

Emulsifiers are food additives used in industrially processed foods to improve texture and enhance shelf-life. 

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The emulsifier effect -

Emulsifiers combine substances or liquids into creamy emulsions. They also help foods feel smoother and less sticky when you eat them

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What's an emulsifier made of? -

They're made from plant or animal-based sources, or synthetic chemicals. For example, Xantham gum is a synthetic emulsifier made by bacterial fermentation. Microbes break down glucose and make xantham gum as a byproduct.

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What's an emulsifier made of? -

The emulsifiers used in bread include diacetyl tartaric acid esters and mono and diglycerides of fatty acids. They create a softer loaf that lasts longer

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Are emulsifiers necessary in food? -

Emulsifiers are often unnecessary. For example, they're added to yogurt to prevent it from developing a watery layer on top, purely for aesthetic purposes. 

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How much emulsifier is in food? -

Manufacturers aren't required to record how much emulsifier is in each food item. That means we never truly know how much we are consuming. 

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Are they fit for human consumption? -

In the US, 171 emulsifiers have been approved for human consumption. Only 63 emulsifiers have been approved in the UK.

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Other chemicals -

These numbers also account for other additive agents including stabilizers, gelling gels, gelling agents, and thickeners.

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Large intestine inflammation -

Some of the biggest risks for developing colon cancer are having inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

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Changes to gut microbiota -

A common characteristic of IBD and colorectal cancer is the alteration in the gut environment. Changes to intestinal microbiota are a key feature of colorectal cancer.

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Changes to gut microbiota -

There are over 100 trillion microorganisms living in the gut. Severe changes in the microbiota can alter the symbiotic relationship between the host microorganisms and the environmental ones, leading to IBD.

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Changes to gut microbiota -

Low-grade inflammation has been observed in many cases of colorectal cancer. This kind of inflammation is associated with changes in the microbiota and metabolic disease.

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Mucus structures -

The mucus structures that cover the intestines usually protect from a variety of harmful bacteria, keeping them away from the epithelial cells.

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Detergent-like molecules -

However, emulsifiers are detergent-like molecules that seem to help transport bacteria across epithelial cells in the intestines.

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Epithelial cells -

Changes in epithelial cells are thought to cause the appearance and development of tumors. Scientists continue to research the precise mechanism that promotes cancer.

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A bigger risk to overall health -

Emulsifiers also seem to harm our overall health. Other research has linked emulsifiers in the diet to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Lacking human studies -

It's important to note, that much of the research on emulsifiers in the gut has been based on animal studies. Therefore, we can't assume the effects are the same on humans.

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One emulsifier at a time -

Typically, one emulsifier at a time is studied. This also doesn't reflect the way they are consumed by humans in food, where there tends to be a 'cocktail' of them.

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Ulcerative colitis and carrageenan -

A small trial published in 2017 looked at the effect of the emulsifier, carrageenan (E407), on patients with ulcerative colitis.

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Ulcerative colitis and carrageenan -

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes abdominal pain and digestive issues.

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Results -

The results suggested that for those with ulcerative colitis, consuming the emulsifier increased the likelihood of experiencing symptoms.

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Chron's and a low-emulsifier diet -

In a separate study, Chron's patients were given a diet low in emulsifiers. It was found that the participant's symptoms decreased over the course of the research.

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Chronic inflammation -

Cases of ulcerative colitis and Chron's have risen in recent years. Both cause chronic inflammation in the colon which can lead to colorectal cancer.

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Colorectal cancer is increasing -

Experts have warned colorectal cancer is hitting more and more young people, with diets full of UPFs thought to be a possible cause.

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Check the ingredients list -

Pay attention to food labels. If foods contain emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners, and there are lots of ingredients you wouldn't find in your kitchen, it's a red flag.

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How to support your gut -

Eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins helps to make sure you get the nutrients you need and reduces your colorectal cancer risk.

Sources: (Daily Mail Online)

See also: What happens to your body when you eat salad every day?

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