Food emulsifiers increase the risk of diabetes. Experts say that emulsifiers like xantham gum and guar gum, which add flavor to ice cream, cookies, mayonnaise, yogurt, etc., can increase the risk of diabetes.
Food additives are chemicals used to preserve the freshness of foods, enhance their color, taste or texture. But now it is emerging as a risk factor for various health issues like breast and prostate cancer.
A 14-year-long French study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal found that emulsifiers may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
According to the study, emulsifiers that may increase the risk of diabetes include carrageenan (3 percent risk for an increase of 100 mg per day), tripotassium phosphate (15 percent risk for an increase of 500 mg per day), sodium citrate (500 mg per day 4 percent increased risk per mg increase), mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of fatty acids (4 percent risk at 100 mg per day), gum arabic (3 percent risk at 1,000 mg per day), guar gum (500 mg of 11 percent risk at the increase) and xanthan gum (8 percent risk at 500 mg per day).
- Advertisement -
According to experts, these food additives alter the gut microbiota, leading to inflammation and diabetes.
M Wali, Senior Consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that the study shows that if these emulsifiers are used for a long time, it can cause side effects like disturbance in the gut microbiota. This leads to an increase in insulin resistance.
Tushar Tayal, Consultant Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said that emulsifiers are generally considered safe and some emulsifiers such as xantham gum have been shown to lower cholesterol, fasting and post-meal blood sugar in some test subjects. has been found to do.
He explained that their association with diabetes and other diseases is due to changes in the gut microflora. Illness can be avoided in the simplest way by avoiding consumption of packaged food products.
Emulsifiers are food additives that help two substances mix and generally separate when combined. They are used by food manufacturers. So that various ultra-processed foods can be used for a long time. Emulsifier food additives are used in various ultra-processed foods to extend their shelf-life.
Rakesh Kumar Prasad, Consultant Diabetology and Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital Noida, said that emulsifiers can regulate the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. This can lead to metabolic disorders, microbiota invasion and intestinal inflammation, risk of many diseases like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, other cardiometabolic disorders etc.
Recent studies have revealed high diabetes rates in India and across the world. According to ICMR data, the total prevalence of diabetes in India is estimated to be 11.4 percent, while 15.3 percent are cases of prediabetes.
Doctors say that the risk is likely to be higher in people who regularly and continuously consume processed foods, or consume foods that contain additives such as emulsifiers.
