What's Happening?
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that cellulose-based food thickeners, previously thought to pass through the digestive system unchanged, can actually be digested by gut bacteria. The study, led by Dr. Deepesh Panwar, found that enzymes typically used to break down dietary fiber can also digest these artificial cellulose derivatives when gut bacteria are 'primed' with natural polysaccharides from fruits, vegetables, and cereals. This challenges the conventional belief that these thickeners are inactive and suggests they can be metabolized as a sugar source for bacterial growth.
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Why It's Important?
This discovery could have implications for understanding the nutritional impact of food additives and their role in gut health. As cellulose derivatives are common in many processed foods, this research may lead to a reevaluation of their effects on digestion and nutrition. It highlights the importance of considering the interactions between different dietary components and gut bacteria, potentially influencing food industry practices and consumer choices regarding processed foods.
What's Next?
Further research is planned to explore the digestion of cellulose derivatives by a broader range of human gut bacteria and to assess potential nutritional effects. This could lead to new insights into how these additives influence gut health and overall nutrition, possibly affecting dietary recommendations and food manufacturing processes.
