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Published on: May 2, 2018
Food additive glycerol monocaprylate modulated systemic inflammation and gut microbiota without stimulating metabolic
Junhui Zhang1, Ji'an Wei2, Tao Liu1
1College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310058, China; ZhongYuan Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Abstract:
Recent findings imply that great consideration should be given to the potential health risks of food additives on gut microbiota. Glycerol monocaprylate (GMC) is a widely consumed food preservative and emulsifier. Our results indicated that GMC significantly ameliorated visceral fat accumulation and systemic inflammation in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Furthermore, GMC induced improvements on the composition and function of gut microbiota, resulting in increased beneficial gut bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and promoted production of short chain fatty acids. Notably, GMC-induced metabolic amelioration is closely related to the regulation in gut microbiota. Overall, our findings supported that unlike the emulsifiers previously reported to damage intestinal health, GMC performed the potential on attenuating HFD-induced metabolic disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis, which also refined on the safety evaluation of GMC on gut microbiota. Our findings suggest that when evaluating the safety of food additives with regards to gut microbiota, it is important to take into account the specific characteristics of the additive in question, rather than simply relying on its classification.
Insights
Glycerol monocaprylate (GMC), a food additive, improved gut microbiota and reduced obesity and inflammation in mice. Unlike other emulsifiers, GMC shows potential for mitigating metabolic disorders and gut dysbiosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutrition Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Food additives require careful health risk assessment, particularly concerning their impact on gut microbiota.
- Glycerol monocaprylate (GMC) is a common food preservative and emulsifier with potential metabolic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Glycerol monocaprylate (GMC) on gut microbiota and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disorders in mice.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of GMC as a food additive concerning gut health.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with GMC.
- Gut microbiota composition and function were analyzed.
- Metabolic parameters, including visceral fat accumulation and systemic inflammation, were assessed.
Main Results:
- GMC significantly reduced visceral fat accumulation and systemic inflammation in HFD-fed mice.
- GMC improved gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
- GMC promoted the production of short-chain fatty acids, indicating enhanced gut function.
Conclusions:
- Glycerol monocaprylate (GMC) ameliorates HFD-induced metabolic disorders and gut dysbiosis in mice.
- GMC's beneficial effects are closely linked to its positive modulation of gut microbiota.
- Unlike other emulsifiers, GMC demonstrates potential for attenuating metabolic issues and refining safety evaluations for food additives.
