• Welcome to Crohn's Forum, a support group for people with all forms of IBD. While this community is not a substitute for doctor's advice and we cannot treat or diagnose, we find being able to communicate with others who have IBD is invaluable as we navigate our struggles and celebrate our successes. We invite you to join us.

Food Additive Emulsifiers and Their Impact on Gut Microbiome, Permeability, and Inflammation: Mechanistic Insights in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Food Additive Emulsifiers and Their Impact on Gut Microbiome, Permeability, and Inflammation: Mechanistic Insights in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Aaron S Bancil, Alicia M Sandall, Megan Rossi, Benoit Chassaing, James O Lindsay, Kevin Whelan
Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, Volume 15, Issue 6, June 2021, Pages 1068–1079, https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa254

Published:18 December 2020

Abstract
The global burden of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] has increased over the 21st century. Despite multiple studies investigating the pathogenesis of IBD, the causative mechanisms pertaining to its increased prevalence remain unclear. There is growing evidence that aspects of a ‘Western diet’ increase the risk of developing IBD. More recently, evidence implicating dietary emulsifiers has accumulated, with ecological studies showing a positive correlation between inflammatory bowel disease and emulsifier consumption. Further to these, cell and animal studies have demonstrated plausible mechanisms by which dietary emulsifiers may contribute to IBD pathogenesis through mechanisms including: promotion of pro-inflammatory intestinal microbiota; disruption of mucus architecture; increased intestinal permeability; activation of inflammatory pathways; and disruption of the cell cycle. This review critically analyses the current evidence for these mechanisms that may be of pathological relevance to IBD, evaluates recent dietary trials, acknowledges the challenges of dietary intervention studies, and gives an overview of ongoing and future clinical trials in this important area.

Aaron S Bancil, Alicia M Sandall, Megan Rossi, Benoit Chassaing, James O Lindsay, Kevin Whelan, Food Additive Emulsifiers and Their Impact on Gut Microbiome, Permeability, and Inflammation: Mechanistic Insights in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, Volume 15, Issue 6, June 2021, Pages 1068–1079, https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjaa254
 
Top