Many everyday foods contain additives that can harm health without us realizing it. A new clinical study in the journal Gastroenterology highlights the dangers of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a widespread food additive with potentially toxic effects on the gut.
Researchers from the Cochin Institute issued this warning due to CMC's prevalence in processed and prepared meals. Developed in the 1960s, this emulsifier improves food texture and shelf life. Major agri-food companies still use it widely, despite evidence it alters gut microbiota composition.
Potential risks include colitis, inflammation, and colon cancer. As reported by CNews, CMC disrupts beneficial gut bacteria. Effects vary by individual: "This study suggests that responses to CMC exposure are highly individualized," says Dr. Benoit Chassaing, Inserm research director. Ongoing research aims to identify those most vulnerable to these food additive risks.
