Nanoparticles in food coloring damage the human gut

The food industry often uses metal oxide nanoparticles in dyes. A study now shows that these can negatively affect the function of the human intestine.

Ithaca (U.S.A.). nanoparticles are used in food colors to improve their durability, solubility and color intensity. These microscopic particles are created by reducing paint particles to nanometer sizes, which range in diameter from one to 100 nanometers. These tiny particles offer an increased surface area compared to larger particles, making them more reactive and their distribution in groceries improved.

The improved dispersibility results in increased color stability as the nanoparticles are less likely to clump together or fall out of the food product. In addition to stability, nanoparticles can also enhance the intensity of food colors. Their smaller size allows them to interact with light more efficiently, resulting in more vivid and intense images Colors leads.

Metal oxide nanoparticles affect human gut

A study by researchers at Cornell University (Cornell) and the Binghamton University (BU) led by Elad Tako now shows that metal oxide nanoparticles, which are often used in the food industry as coloring agents and anti-caking agents, affect certain areas of the human intestines could affect.

“We found that certain nanoparticles, titanium oxide and silicon dioxide, commonly used in food, could negatively affect the functioning of the gut. They have a negative impact on essential digestive and absorption proteins.”

Biomarkers in the blood changed by nanoparticles

As part of their investigation, the research team at the Tako lab used the in vivo system, which produces a health response similar to that of des People strongly resembles. Human-equivalent doses of titanium oxide and silicon dioxide were administered.

According to the publication in the specialist magazine Antioxidants the scientists injected the nanoparticles into chicken eggs. After the chicks hatched, the researchers noted changes in functional, morphological and microbial biomarkers in the blood of the upper part of the intestine (duodenum) and in the cecum, a sac attached to the intestine.

“We ingest these nanoparticles every day. We don’t actually know how much we consume; we don’t really know the long-term effects of this consumption. In our study, we were able to demonstrate some of these effects, which is crucial for understanding the health and development of the gastrointestinal tract.”

Despite the findings presented, the scientists are not calling for the end of the use of these nanoparticles. They stress that further research is needed to get a full picture of the impact and possible alternatives.

“Based on the information available, we recommend just being mindful. The Science must carry out further investigations based on our findings. We are thus opening the door for discussions.”

Antioxidants, doi: 10.3390/antiox12020431