Dietary Emulsifiers and their Effects on the Gut Microbiome: Insights from Pre-Clinical Studies

Abstract Dietary emulsifiers are detergent-like compounds that stabilize food emulsions. Their use is approved by regulatory agencies including the Food and Drug Administration and they are thus considered safe at the typical food concentrations. However, recent studies suggest that these compounds may detrimentally affect the gut microbiome. This article reviews the current state of the evidence from pre-clinical research on the effects of dietary emulsifiers on the gut microbiome and their potential implications for health.