Yoghurts, protein shakes, and peanut butters are among everyday foods that could increase the risk of bowel cancer due to emulsifiers, doctors have warned. These additives, used to improve texture and shelf life, may weaken the gut's protective mucus layer, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply and cause chronic inflammation—a known trigger for colorectal cancer.
Dr Maria Abreu, president of the American Gastroenterological Association, highlighted the dramatic change in food supply: 'One of the things that has changed very dramatically in our food supply is the addition of emulsifiers.' She suspects this is linked to rising colon cancer rates in younger adults, a trend observed in 27 of 50 countries studied, including the UK.
A 2024 PLOS Medicine study tracking 92,000 adults over seven years found that frequent consumption of foods high in emulsifiers like mono and diglycerides was associated with up to a 46% increased risk of breast or prostate cancer. Carrageenan, an emulsifier from red seaweed found in protein shakes, has been linked to tumour growth in animal studies, while cellulose gum in cheese altered gut bacteria and triggered inflammation in a 2015 mouse study.
Other products containing emulsifiers include bread, chocolate, cakes, ice cream, margarine, and processed meats. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) currently considers these additives safe, stating they are 'strictly reviewed' and action is taken if problems arise.
The NHS advises that bowel cancer symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Anyone experiencing these for three weeks or more should see a GP.
