Nanoparticles in canned goods may be doing your gut harm
- 6 years ago
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK — In case you needed more proof that fresh is best, a new study has found that nanoparticles in your food packaging could be doing your gut harm.
According to the Binghamton University study, the inside of canned goods are typically lined with zinc oxide nanoparticles, which have antimicrobial properties.
When looking at how much nanoparticles were transferred to food, researchers found 100 times the recommended daily allowance of zinc oxide.
While in the small intestine, the nanoparticles caused the remodelling or loss of microvilli, resulting less nutrients being absorbed into the cells.
High doses of zinc oxide also triggered pro-inflammatory signaling. This can increase intestinal permeability and allow harmful compounds to pass into the bloodstream.
Since only a cell model was used to demonstrate the effects, it's difficult to determine how long-term ingestion will impact human health. For now, the researchers are looking at the nanoparticles' effect on animals.
According to the Binghamton University study, the inside of canned goods are typically lined with zinc oxide nanoparticles, which have antimicrobial properties.
When looking at how much nanoparticles were transferred to food, researchers found 100 times the recommended daily allowance of zinc oxide.
While in the small intestine, the nanoparticles caused the remodelling or loss of microvilli, resulting less nutrients being absorbed into the cells.
High doses of zinc oxide also triggered pro-inflammatory signaling. This can increase intestinal permeability and allow harmful compounds to pass into the bloodstream.
Since only a cell model was used to demonstrate the effects, it's difficult to determine how long-term ingestion will impact human health. For now, the researchers are looking at the nanoparticles' effect on animals.