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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nI heard of a gastroenterologist who told patients to avoid emulsifiers. This is wrong and fortunately there is one easy thing you can do to minimise emulsifier intake. The idea was based on only one study of effects on mice reporting that emulsifiers may affect thickness of the gut mucous lining, gut flora and other gut changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to food law in Australia, managed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) additives may be only added to food in the amounts allowed. I requested further information on this topic from the scientists there, asking if the emulsifiers carboxymethylcellulose CMC (additive no 466) and polysorbate-80 (433) were of concern, especially more than the more often used lecithin and others?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highest source of emulsifiers in our diet is from dishwashing soap left on our plates and cutlery, as soap has an emulsifier action. So rinsing plates after washing, and as also happens in the dishwasher is a wise idea. Two generations ago, my parents generation, born in the early 1900s, everybody had only one sink in their kitchen, but less soap was used so that may have helped reduce intake. It is consoling that their practice did not affect everyone\u2019s gut function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on to understand the research about this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FSANZ does not consider the Chassaing results are of public health and safety concern, on the basis of the following considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The results are inconsistent with the results of other studies of these emulsifiers in mice, which tested much higher doses. CMC at up to 10% of the diet had no effect on bodyweight in mice (Mondal and Yeasman 2016). In addition, administration of polysorbates in the diet of mice, at up to 7.5 g\/kg bw\/day, is consistently associated with weight loss, not gain, in mice, rats and hamsters in numerous studies by other researchers (reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2015)). Given this marked inconsistency, the toxicological relevance of the findings of the Chassaing <\/a>et al 2015 study are unclear.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The exposure levels in the Chassaing study were very high and significantly exceed likely human exposures to CMC or polysorbate 80. For example, the level of emulsifier in the drinking water of the mice was approximately 1500 mg\/kg bw\/day, 0.1% emulsifier in the diet of a mouse is approximately 120 mg emulsifier\/kg bw\/day, and 1% emulsifier in the diet is 1200 mg\/kg bw\/day. In comparison, a recent dietary exposure assessment in the USA (Shah et al. 2017) found that the highest mean dietary exposure to CMC is approximately 30 mg\/kg bw\/day and that of polysorbate P80 is approximately 15 mg\/kg bw\/day. EFSA (2015) estimated that mean exposure to polysorbates in Europe ranges from 0.7 mg\/kg bw\/day in adults to 25 mg\/kg bw\/day in toddlers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With regard to whether CMC and polysorbate are of greater concern than other emulsifiers, it is not clear why Chassaing et al. (2015) elected to study those particular emulsifiers. EFSA\u2019s 2015 re-evaluation of polysorbates 20, 40, 60, 65 and 80 confirmed the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)\/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for these food additives. EFSA currently permits the addition of sodium CMC to all foodstuffs following the quantum satis<\/em> principle, but has a call for new data on usage levels of this and a number of other food additives, for the purpose of routine periodic re-evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FSANZ scientists have reviewed the study by Chassaing et al. (2015) in which mice were exposed orally to either carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or polysorbate 80 in drinking water or mouse chow at 1.0%. It was also reported that 0.1% CMC in mouse chow resulted in increased bodyweight and blood glucose and 0.1% polysorbate 80 resulted in low-grade inflammation and increased adiposity. Notably, the authors concluded that additional studies would be required to establish the relevance of these findings to humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The article that started the whole discussion was: –
Chassaing B, et al. Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiotica promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome in nature.com Archive, Vol519 Issue 7541 Letters.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nReferences from FSANZ to counter that work include:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
EFSA (2015). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (E 432), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (E 433), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (E 434), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (E 435)and polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (E 436) as food additives. EFSA Journal<\/strong> 13(7): 4152, 74 pp. doi:10.2903\/j.efsa.2015.4152<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mondal MI and Yeasmin MS (2016). Toxicity study of food-grade carboxymethyl cellulose synthesized from maize husk in Swiss albino mice. Int J Biol Macromol<\/strong>.92:965-971. doi: 10.1016\/j.ijbiomac.2016.08.012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shah R, Kolanos R, DiNovi MJ, Mattia A and Kaneko KJ (2017). Dietary exposures for the safety assessment of seven emulsifiers commonly added to foods in the United States and implications for safety. Food Additives & Contaminants<\/strong>. Part A Apr 19, pp. 1-13. doi:10.1080\/19440049.2017.1311420.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FSANZ takes the safety of additives in food very seriously and therefore undertakes a comprehensive review of a range of studies to ensure that levels in the food supply do not exceed the safe level determined for a particular food additive. For general information on how we perform this work, see the information on http:\/\/www.foodstandards.gov.au\/consumer\/additives\/additivecontrol\/Pages\/default.aspx<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, to ensure safe and proper use of food additives, there are a number of maximum limits for specific food additives in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code<\/em>. Food producers must comply with these limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I heard of a gastroenterologist who told patients to avoid emulsifiers. This is wrong and fortunately there is one easy thing you can do to minimise emulsifier intake. The idea was based on only one study of effects on mice reporting that emulsifiers may affect thickness of the gut mucous lining, gut flora and other gut changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to food law in Australia, managed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) additives may be only added to food in the amounts allowed. I requested further information on this topic from the scientists there, asking if the emulsifiers carboxymethylcellulose CMC (additive no 466) and polysorbate-80 (433) were of concern, especially more than the more often used lecithin and others?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highest source of emulsifiers in our diet is from dishwashing soap left on our plates and cutlery, as soap has an emulsifier action. So rinsing plates after washing, and as also happens in the dishwasher is a wise idea. Two generations ago, mu parents generation born in the early 1900s, everybody had only one sink in their kitchen, but less soap was used so that may have helped reduce intake. It is consoling that their practice did not affect everyone\u2019s gut function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on to understand the research about this topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FSANZ does not consider the Chassaing results are of public health and safety concern, on the basis of the following considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The results are inconsistent with the results of other studies of these emulsifiers in mice, which tested much higher doses. CMC at up to 10% of the diet had no effect on bodyweight in mice (Mondal and Yeasman 2016). In addition, administration of polysorbates in the diet of mice, at up to 7.5 g\/kg bw\/day, is consistently associated with weight loss, not gain, in mice, rats and hamsters in numerous studies by other researchers (reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2015)). Given this marked inconsistency, the toxicological relevance of the findings of the Chassaing <\/a>et al 2015 study are unclear.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The exposure levels in the Chassaing study were very high and significantly exceed likely human exposures to CMC or polysorbate 80. For example, the level of emulsifier in the drinking water of the mice was approximately 1500 mg\/kg bw\/day, 0.1% emulsifier in the diet of a mouse is approximately 120 mg emulsifier\/kg bw\/day, and 1% emulsifier in the diet is 1200 mg\/kg bw\/day. In comparison, a recent dietary exposure assessment in the USA (Shah et al. 2017) found that the highest mean dietary exposure to CMC is approximately 30 mg\/kg bw\/day and that of polysorbate P80 is approximately 15 mg\/kg bw\/day. EFSA (2015) estimated that mean exposure to polysorbates in Europe ranges from 0.7 mg\/kg bw\/day in adults to 25 mg\/kg bw\/day in toddlers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With regard to whether CMC and polysorbate are of greater concern than other emulsifiers, it is not clear why Chassaing et al. (2015) elected to study those particular emulsifiers. EFSA\u2019s 2015 re-evaluation of polysorbates 20, 40, 60, 65 and 80 confirmed the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)\/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for these food additives. EFSA currently permits the addition of sodium CMC to all foodstuffs following the quantum satis<\/em> principle, but has a call for new data on usage levels of this and a number of other food additives, for the purpose of routine periodic re-evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FSANZ scientists have reviewed the study by Chassaing et al. (2015) in which mice were exposed orally to either carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or polysorbate 80 in drinking water or mouse chow at 1.0%. It was also reported that 0.1% CMC in mouse chow resulted in increased bodyweight and blood glucose and 0.1% polysorbate 80 resulted in low-grade inflammation and increased adiposity. Notably, the authors concluded that additional studies would be required to establish the relevance of these findings to humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The article that started the whole discussion was: –
Chassaing B, et al. Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiotica promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome in nature.com Archive, Vol519 Issue 7541 Letters.
<\/p>\n\n\n\nReferences from FSANZ to counter that work include:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
EFSA (2015). Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (E 432), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (E 433), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate (E 434), polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (E 435)and polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate (E 436) as food additives. EFSA Journal<\/strong> 13(7): 4152, 74 pp. doi:10.2903\/j.efsa.2015.4152<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mondal MI and Yeasmin MS (2016). Toxicity study of food-grade carboxymethyl cellulose synthesized from maize husk in Swiss albino mice. Int J Biol Macromol<\/strong>.92:965-971. doi: 10.1016\/j.ijbiomac.2016.08.012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shah R, Kolanos R, DiNovi MJ, Mattia A and Kaneko KJ (2017). Dietary exposures for the safety assessment of seven emulsifiers commonly added to foods in the United States and implications for safety. Food Additives & Contaminants<\/strong>. Part A Apr 19, pp. 1-13. doi:10.1080\/19440049.2017.1311420.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FSANZ takes the safety of additives in food very seriously and therefore undertakes a comprehensive review of a range of studies to ensure that levels in the food supply do not exceed the safe level determined for a particular food additive. For general information on how we perform this work, see the information on http:\/\/www.foodstandards.gov.au\/consumer\/additives\/additivecontrol\/Pages\/default.aspx<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, to ensure safe and proper use of food additives, there are a number of maximum limits for specific food additives in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code<\/em>. Food producers must comply with these limits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I heard of a gastroenterologist who told patients to avoid emulsifiers. This is wrong and fortunately there is one easy thing you can do to minimise emulsifier intake. The idea was based on only one study of effects on mice reporting that emulsifiers may affect thickness of the gut mucous lining, gut flora and other […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4232,3955],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3203","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-are-emulsifiers-harmful-ibs","7":"category-ibs","8":"entry","9":"has-post-thumbnail"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3203"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3210,"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3203\/revisions\/3210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodintolerancepro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- The exposure levels in the Chassaing study were very high and significantly exceed likely human exposures to CMC or polysorbate 80. For example, the level of emulsifier in the drinking water of the mice was approximately 1500 mg\/kg bw\/day, 0.1% emulsifier in the diet of a mouse is approximately 120 mg emulsifier\/kg bw\/day, and 1% emulsifier in the diet is 1200 mg\/kg bw\/day. In comparison, a recent dietary exposure assessment in the USA (Shah et al. 2017) found that the highest mean dietary exposure to CMC is approximately 30 mg\/kg bw\/day and that of polysorbate P80 is approximately 15 mg\/kg bw\/day. EFSA (2015) estimated that mean exposure to polysorbates in Europe ranges from 0.7 mg\/kg bw\/day in adults to 25 mg\/kg bw\/day in toddlers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The results are inconsistent with the results of other studies of these emulsifiers in mice, which tested much higher doses. CMC at up to 10% of the diet had no effect on bodyweight in mice (Mondal and Yeasman 2016). In addition, administration of polysorbates in the diet of mice, at up to 7.5 g\/kg bw\/day, is consistently associated with weight loss, not gain, in mice, rats and hamsters in numerous studies by other researchers (reviewed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2015)). Given this marked inconsistency, the toxicological relevance of the findings of the Chassaing <\/a>et al 2015 study are unclear.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The exposure levels in the Chassaing study were very high and significantly exceed likely human exposures to CMC or polysorbate 80. For example, the level of emulsifier in the drinking water of the mice was approximately 1500 mg\/kg bw\/day, 0.1% emulsifier in the diet of a mouse is approximately 120 mg emulsifier\/kg bw\/day, and 1% emulsifier in the diet is 1200 mg\/kg bw\/day. In comparison, a recent dietary exposure assessment in the USA (Shah et al. 2017) found that the highest mean dietary exposure to CMC is approximately 30 mg\/kg bw\/day and that of polysorbate P80 is approximately 15 mg\/kg bw\/day. EFSA (2015) estimated that mean exposure to polysorbates in Europe ranges from 0.7 mg\/kg bw\/day in adults to 25 mg\/kg bw\/day in toddlers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n