Bacterial Overgrowth and Inflammation of Small Intestine After Carboxymethylcellulose Ingestion in Genetically Susceptible Mice

Abstract

CMC induces bacterial overgrowth and small bowel inflammation in susceptible animals. Because of its ubiquity in products and its unrestricted use in food of the industrial world, CMC is an ideal suspect to account for the rise of IBD in the 20th century.

Deregulation of intestinal anti-microbial defense by the dietary additive, maltodextrin

“…Likewise, in interleukin-10-deficient mice that are genetically predisposed to colitis, CMC consumption synergizes with genetic risk to result in bacterial overgrowth and aggressive ileitis. 27 Further evidence in humans demonstrates the pathogenic potential for these dietary additives when combined with other risk factors, as supplementation of infant formula with a xanthan gum-based thickener induced late-onset necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. 28,29 Emulsifiers act directly on the mucosal barrier to decrease viscosity, permitting bacterial translocation and potentially driving inflammation.…”

“…Notable studies have demonstrated a direct effect of these compounds on mucosal barrier integrity, which translates to exacerbated intestinal inflammation or increased bacterial burdens in animal models. 17,18,27 Likewise, restrictive diets that eliminate processed foods are showing clinical Figure 3. Consumption of MDX decreases the mucosal barrier of the intestine and increases the proximity of commensal bacteria to the epithelial layer.…”

The Western Diet–Microbiome-Host Interaction and Its Role in Metabolic Disease

“…to improve foods' sensory properties in low-fat formulations [52], is partly driven by innovation in specialty products for health-conscious consumers [53]. However, several studies have reported altered microbiota composition and gut inflammation in rodents fed commonly used emulsifiers [29,[54][55][56].…”

Rôle de certains additifs alimentaires dans l’apparition d’une inflammation intestinale et du syndrome métabolique chez la souris

“…Cette pratique d'ajout d'agents émulsifiants dans les aliments transformés corrèle avec l'augmentation de l'incidence des MICI et du syndrome métabolique depuis le milieu du XX e siècle. Or, il a précédemment été montré que ces additifs favorisaient la translocation bactérienne à travers certaines cellules épithéliales intestinales [12], et semblaient induire une inflammation iléale chez la souris [13]. Les aliments interagissent de manière très étroite avec notre microbiote intestinal et il est donc envisageable que certains procédés de l'agroalimentaire, notamment l'utilisation d'additifs, puissent altérer ce dernier.…”