An additive in foods and drugs alters the intestinal microbiota
Researchers from Australia are now calling for improved regulation of a commonly used Additive in foods and medicines, because of this impact, according to the results of research on the intestinal microbiota and diseases as inflammatory bowel disease or even intestinal cancer can cause.
In a recent study by the University of Sydney, it was found that nano particles are contained in many foods, have a significant and harmful impact on human health. The results of the study were published in the English scientific journal “Frontiers in Nutrition”.
What E171?
The study examined the health effects of a food additive with the designation e 171 (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) was looking for. This is often used in large quantities in foods and some medicines, explain the researchers. E171 is in more than 900 foods such as chewing gum and Mayonnaise, and is consumed by the population on a daily basis in a high degree. The current study in mice showed that the consumption of E171-containing foods has an impact on the so-called intestinal microbiota, which can lead to inflammatory bowel diseases and even bowel cancer.
Safety in the use of nanoparticles needs to be improved
The study is a significant contribution to the studies on the toxicity and safety of nano-particles and their effects on health and the environment, says the author of the study, Professor Wojciech Chrzanowski the University of Sydney. “The goal of this research is to discussions about new Standards and regulations to encourage the safe use of nanoparticles in Australia and around the world to gewährleisten“, adds the expert, in a press release.
Long-term effects of nanoparticles are poorly understood
Although nanoparticles are widely used in medicines, food, clothing and other products, particles, the possible effects of nanoparticles, in particular their long-term effects are still largely unknown. The titanium dioxide consumption has increased in the last ten years, what has been associated with various diseases. The substance is approved for use in food, there is insufficient evidence for its safety, say the researchers. Increasing Rates of dementia, autoimmune diseases, cancer metastasis, eczema, Asthma and autism are among a growing list of diseases, which have already been associated with a strong exposure to nanoparticles.
The intestinal microbiota is the guardian of our health
“It is well known that the diet composition affects physiology and health, the role of food additives, however, are only insufficiently wird“ understood;, Professor Chrzanowski, an expert in nano-toxicology, School of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney explains. There is increasing evidence that continuous exposure to nano-particles has a negative influence on the composition of the intestinal microbiota. This is considered to be a kind of guardian of our health, since all of the changes in their functions have an impact on the overall health. The current study provides crucial evidence that the consumption of food influenced the food additive E171 in the intestinal microbiota, and inflammation in the intestine so that it can diseases to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
Titanium dioxide impairs the function of bacteria in the gut
“Our investigations have shown that titanium dioxide interacts with bacteria in the gut inter-and some of its functions impaired, which can lead to the development of diseases. We demand that the consumption of the food authorities should be better regulated,“ explains study author Professor Laurence Macia of the University of Sydney. The study examined the effects of titanium dioxide on the intestinal health of mice, and found that titanium dioxide changes the composition of intestinal microbiota directly, but the bacterial activity affected and their growth in the Form of an unwanted biofilm promotes. A so-called Biofilm consists of various bacteria, which adhere to each other. In the case of diseases such as colon cancer, for example, reported that such biofilms develop. (as)