"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.