If you have a habit of chewing gum or love eating mayonnaise then beware! A recent study has found a shocking fact about mayonnaise and chewing gum. The food additive which is commonly used as a whitening agent in these items can lead to inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer.
The study conducted in mice investigated health impacts of food additive E171 (titanium dioxide nanoparticles) which is commonly used in high quantities in foods and some medicines as a whitening agent. E171, found in over 900 food products is consumed in high proportion every day by the general population.
The consumption of food having E171 has an impact on the gut microbiota, defined by the trillions of bacteria that inhabit the gut which could trigger diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer, according to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
Co-lead author Wojciech Chrzanowski, Associate Professor at University of Sydney said, "It is well established that dietary composition has an impact on physiology and health, yet the role of food additives is poorly understood."
He added, "This study presents pivotal evidence that consumption of food containing food additive E171 affects gut microbiota as well as inflammation in the gut, which could lead to diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer."
