Review article: emulsifiers in the food supply and implications for gastrointestinal disease.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dietary emulsifiers are the latest food additives to be associated with intestinal, cardiovascular and metabolic health. Most recently, there are postulations around certain emulsifiers playing a role in the development of Crohn's disease. AIM: To review the use of food-based emulsifiers, their content in the food supply and mechanisms by which they might exert potentially detrimental biological effects. METHODS: Information on emulsifiers and thickeners relevant to human health was critically examined. RESULTS: The term, "emulsifier," has been used loosely and has included thickeners as well as agents that truly promote emulsions. These comprise proteins, phospholipids and carbo..