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Food Preservatives

All articles tagged with #food preservatives

Big BMJ Study Links Some Everyday Preservatives to Slightly Higher Cancer Risk
health10 days ago

Big BMJ Study Links Some Everyday Preservatives to Slightly Higher Cancer Risk

A BMJ study tracking more than 100,000 people for nearly 15 years found that higher intake of several common food preservatives—such as sulfites, nitrates/nitrites, potassium sorbate, and related additives—was associated with a modestly higher overall cancer risk. The researchers emphasize that this is an association, not causation, and results may reflect broader ultra-processed diet patterns; experts advise moderating processed foods, reading labels, and prioritizing whole foods while encouraging safer preservation methods.

Some Food Preservatives Tied to Higher Cancer Risk, Study Finds
health11 days ago

Some Food Preservatives Tied to Higher Cancer Risk, Study Finds

A BMJ-backed study tracking over 100,000 people for about 15 years found that higher intake of several common food preservatives (including sulfites, nitrates/nitrites, and potassium sorbate) was linked to a modestly higher risk of overall cancer and some cancer types. The authors emphasize association, not causation, and experts note results may reflect broader ultra-processed diets. To reduce risk, focus on whole foods, read labels, limit processed meats, and consider safer preservation methods when possible.

"The Potential Dangers of a Common Food Preservative on Gut Bacteria"
health-food-safety2 years ago

"The Potential Dangers of a Common Food Preservative on Gut Bacteria"

A new study suggests that the common food preservative nisin, belonging to a class of preservatives called lantibiotics, may interact with the human gut microbiome in unexpected and potentially harmful ways. Researchers found that nisin-like substances can affect both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the human gut, raising concerns about the impact of food preservatives on gut health. While more research is needed, the study highlights the potential for food preservatives to interfere with a healthy gut microbiome and calls for closer examination of the balance of good and bad bacteria in processed foods.

"Unexpected Impact: Common Food Preservative Disrupts Gut Microbiome"
health-food-science2 years ago

"Unexpected Impact: Common Food Preservative Disrupts Gut Microbiome"

A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago has revealed that common food preservatives, particularly lantibiotics like nisin, not only target harmful pathogens but also impact beneficial gut bacteria, raising concerns about their long-term effects on digestive health and microbial diversity. The study found that these lantibiotics have potent effects against both pathogens and commensal gut bacteria, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. The researchers are now exploring ways to harness the antimicrobial properties of lantibiotics while mitigating their potential negative impact on gut health.

"Unforeseen Gut Microbiome Effects of Common Food Preservatives"
health2 years ago

"Unforeseen Gut Microbiome Effects of Common Food Preservatives"

A study by scientists from the University of Chicago has found that lantibiotics, a class of bacteriocins widely used as food preservatives, have potent effects on both pathogens and commensal gut bacteria, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. The research revealed that these lantibiotics, including the popular nisin, can kill both harmful pathogens and beneficial commensal bacteria, raising concerns about their impact on gut health. The study aims to better understand the antimicrobial properties of lantibiotics and their potential effects on gut health, while also exploring ways to counter their potential negative influence.