00:00 Scientists are warning that a common food preservative may be damaging our gut health.
00:04 A new study from researchers at the University of Chicago raises questions about whether
00:09 or not preservatives intended to kill pathogens on food might also be harming our internal
00:14 bacteria mix.
00:16 The preservative, called nisin, has the potential to interact with the human gut microbiome
00:21 in unexpected and possibly damaging ways, according to Science Alert.
00:26 One study researcher said, "Even though it might be very effective in preventing food
00:30 contamination, it might also have a greater impact on our human gut microbes."
00:35 The National Institute of Health notes that nisin is a preservative found in processed
00:39 cheese, various dairy products, sausages and canned vegetables.
00:44 Experts say we're still a long way from being able to say that food preservatives are harmful
00:48 to our stomachs.
00:49 But the research does show that these chemicals have the potential to interfere with the healthy
00:53 gut in ways that perhaps we hadn't anticipated.
00:56 (upbeat music)
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