Xanthan gum intake modifies the colon microbiota profile and causes mild colon inflammation in rats

Korven

I had gluten free tortillas (with anthan gum and emulsifiers) for dinner yesterday and woke up feeling like trash.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0347232

"Xanthan gum is commonly used in the food industry to adjust food consistency and to improve the safety of swallowing liquids and food in people with dysphagia. The pro-inflammatory effect of xanthan gum is acknowledged in the literature. This study aimed to examine the effect of chronic xanthan gum supplementation in the diet on intestinal inflammatory processes in adult Wistar rats at three different doses. After the tenth week of treatment, white adipose tissue (epididymal, retroperitoneal, and mesenteric) was collected, and the distal colon was dissected and processed for cytokine and immunohistochemical analysis. Fecal matter from the colon was used for microbiota analysis. In general, the addition of xanthan gum at all doses promoted an inflammatory state as demonstrated by the high presence of lymphocytes. Also, it modified the content of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the control group. Regarding the colon barrier markers, xanthan gum increased the Claudin 2 and ZO-1 levels. The α diversity and relative abundance of Bacterioidetes (B), Firmicutes (F), F/B ratio were similar among the groups. Elusimicrobiota was increased. Our research, using an experimental model, confirmed the clinical assumption that xanthan gum is associated with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates. We validated the biological mechanism and metabolic pathway in the intestine of the deleterious effect of continuous use of xanthan gum. In conclusion, dietary xanthan gum induced moderate-grade inflammation and modified the colon gut barrier. Recent advances in the study of xanthan gum underscore the need for translational research bridging experimental findings and clinical practice."

TLDR Xanthan gum is shit

LucH

Frequency is all.
useful info:
*) Direct impact of commonly used dietary emulsifiers on human gut microbiota
Sabrine Naimi et al. 2021 Mar 22. doi: 10.1186/s40168-020-00996-6
Most, but not all, emulsifiers impact microbiota composition.
Stark detrimental impacts were observed in response to various carrageenans and gums, which altered microbiota density, composition, and expression of pro-inflammatory molecules.

Note:
Most emulsifiers have a detrimental effect on the gut microbiota and microbiome. This harmful effect can be either reversible upon discontinuation of use or persistent (long-lasting).

The following additives are the most problematic in the food industry: xanthan gum, sorbitan monostearate (E491) (sorbitan stearate), glyceryl stearate, maltodextrin, and polysorbate 80 (P80).
More explanation (with degree of impact) on this post (in French; translator needed)
Impact réversible ou non des émulsifiants sur le microbiome
https://mirzoune-ciboulette.forumactif.org/t2044-impact-reversible-ou-non-des-emulsifiants-sur-le-microbiome#29702

sunsunsun

is the amount used actually relevant to human intake? gums are usually the last ingredient in processed foods so there isnt a lot in there. I see you noticed effects tho. I thought I noticed a difference when I use ketchup as a condiment vs bbq sauce that contains xanthum gum.

leaving a note here for myself
[#food-legislation #gums, instead of banning semi-controversial food additives, maybe it is better to give tax incentives for the purchase of food products that don't contain them. consumer vs company target for incentive is also a topic worth exploring]