Is triclosan messing with gut microbes?
Paula Goodyer
With so much nutrition research focussed on our gut microbes we’re used to hearing how different foods can influence our microbiome for better or worse. Prebiotic fibres in legumes, for instance, help feed microbes that produce the short chain fatty acid butyrate which promotes a healthy gut. Some emulsifiers, on the other hand, may disrupt the balance of gut microbes, causing inflammation.
But how about toothpaste?
Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst are sounding a warning about triclosan, the anti-bacterial that’s a common ingredient of soap, toothpaste and other personal care products. Their research, just published in Science Translational Medicine found that it disrupted the balance of microbes in the gut, reducing the numbers of friendly Bifidobacterium and promoting inflammation in the gut as well as an increased risk of colon cancer.
Although the research was in mice, not humans, the researchers say it’s a sign that the effects of triclosan on human health need to be looked at more closely.
Triclosan is already under a cloud because of concerns linking it to bacterial resistance and the US Food and Drug Administration has ordered it be removed from antibacterial soaps and hand sanitisers used by consumers. However, it’s used in toothpaste both in the US and Australia - and according to Colgate is safe and helps prevent gingivitis.
How to avoid triclosan: Use plain soap and water for hand washing. Check the label of soaps and toothpastes for triclosan or triclocarban.