Recent research demonstrates that the intake of emulsifiers, typically found in highly processed foods, while pregnant or nursing in mice is associated with minor metabolic, cognitive, and emotional deficiencies in their offspring. The study specifically highlights that such intake affects the formation of neural pathways in the hypothalamus of the offspring, a region vital for metabolic regulation.
The findings emphasize the necessity for expectant and nursing mothers to be cognizant of the potential risks linked to the consumption of highly processed foods.
A new mouse study suggests that the intake of emulsifiers, a ubiquitous ingredient in processed foods designed for humans, poses mild health risks to offspring when consumed during pregnancy or lactation. The study, recently released in the PLOS Biology journal, was led by Maria Milà-Guasch and her team at the Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) in Barcelona, Spain.
Emulsifiers serve to maintain the consistency of a wide range of highly processed foods, including certain ice creams, breads, cake mixes, soups, and salad dressings, among others. Previous studies have associated the consumption of emulsifiers with a heightened risk of gastrointestinal inflammation, obesity, and additional health problems. Furthermore, imbalanced nutritional practices by pregnant or nursing mothers have been implicated in enduring health issues for their children, although the specific consequences of maternal emulsifier consumption on offspring have remained uncertain.
To elucidate these effects, Milà-Guasch and her team administered water laced with two frequently used emulsifiers in human food—carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80—to laboratory mice. Female mice received the highest allowable concentration of these emulsifiers, as determined by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, from the pre-pregnancy stage until they weaned their offspring. For comparative purposes, another group of mice were given water devoid of emulsifiers.
The researchers observed that the offspring born to mothers who consumed emulsifiers were more susceptible to specific health conditions, including minor metabolic, cognitive, and psychological anomalies. These effects were more pronounced in male offspring, although female offspring were not spared.
Comprehensive gene-expression analysis and other laboratory tests suggested that the maternal consumption of emulsifiers disturbed the development of neural circuits in the hypothalamus of the offspring, an area of the brain integral to metabolic regulation.
While additional investigation is required to conclusively determine the impact on human offspring of emulsifier consumption by expectant and nursing individuals, the researchers stress the need for heightened awareness regarding the potential risks of consuming highly processed foods. They particularly point out that products perceived as healthy, such as some vegetarian and vegan items, may still contain emulsifiers that could potentially result in health risks for offspring.
Coauthor Marc Claret notes, “The intake of emulsifiers by mothers could influence offspring health, leading to minor metabolic irregularities, states resembling anxiety, and cognitive deficits.”
Reference: The study, titled “Maternal emulsifier consumption programs offspring metabolic and neuropsychological health in mice,” was authored by a team including Maria Milà-Guasch, Sara Ramírez, Sergio R. Llana, and others, and was published on August 24, 2023, in PLOS Biology.
Funding for the study came from multiple sources including the European Research Council under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation, and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The financial supporters had no role in the study’s design, data gathering and interpretation, publishing decision, or manuscript preparation.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about maternal emulsifier consumption
What are emulsifiers, and where are they commonly found?
Emulsifiers are additives used to maintain the texture of processed foods. They are frequently present in items like ice creams, breads, cake mixes, soups, and salad dressings.
How does maternal consumption of emulsifiers impact offspring?
Recent research using mice suggests that when expectant or nursing mothers consume emulsifiers, their offspring may experience minor health issues such as metabolic disturbances, cognitive impairments, and emotional imbalances.
What is the significance of the hypothalamus in this study?
The hypothalamus, a part of the brain responsible for regulating metabolism, showed disrupted neural circuit development in the offspring of mice that were exposed to maternal emulsifier consumption.
Are there differences in the effects between male and female offspring?
While the effects were more pronounced in male offspring, female offspring also demonstrated impairments, indicating a potential gender-related susceptibility to the impacts of emulsifiers.
Should pregnant and nursing mothers be cautious about consuming processed foods?
Yes, the study underscores the importance of expectant and nursing mothers being aware of potential risks associated with consuming highly processed foods containing emulsifiers.
Could vegetarian and vegan products also pose a risk?
Yes, the study highlights that even products perceived as healthy, including certain vegetarian and vegan items, may contain emulsifiers that could contribute to health risks for offspring.
What is the suggested course of action based on these findings?
The researchers recommend increased awareness among mothers about the potential risks of consuming highly processed foods, particularly those containing emulsifiers, during pregnancy and lactation.
More about maternal emulsifier consumption
- PLOS Biology Journal
- European Research Council
- ‘la Caixa’ Foundation
- Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation
- Food and Agriculture Organization
- World Health Organization
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Horizon 2020
- CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III
4 comments
tech can help spread info bout health risks, good job on citing sources.
so like, emulsifiers might mess up babies’ brains? that’s cray.
financial implications of processed food risks 4 expecting moms? interesn.
politics & health, weird combo but emulsifier debate cud b in the future!