In collaboration with La Torrada Fresca
A new study found that a common element found in popular products is responsible for inflammation in the gut.
Triclosan is a compound that was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016. However, we still find it often in the products we use in our daily lives, most commonly toothpaste. Why is it so bad? A new study performed in mice, found that triclosan can trigger inflammation in their intestines, leading to gastrointestinal stress.
According to different studies, triclosan has been harmful to animals in several ways, lowering their thyroid hormones, making bacteria resistant to antibiotics and damaging their guts. Although these results have not been seen in humans – no experiments with triclosan have been performed – they were sufficient to raise the alarms of different health experts.
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While this recent study confirmed the belief that triclosan is harmful to mice, it was also able to identify the part of triclosan that is responsible for causing intestinal inflammation, which could help scientists address this type of gastrointestinal problem and block this effect. . “By identifying the culprit bacteria, new approaches to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease could be developed.” said the study author Matthew Redinbo, MD
Triclosan has long been used in a variety of everyday products, designed to reduce bacterial contamination and prevent the spread of gingivitis. It is usually found in antibacterial soaps, body washes and cosmetics. Its presence in the toothpaste is especially worrying, as it can persist in the bristles of the toothbrush and accumulating over time, facilitating people’s ingestion.
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While researchers are working on a solution to this problem, it will probably be some time before the necessary protective element is available in toothpaste brands and everyday products. To limit your exposure, you should read the label on the contents of the medicine in the toothpaste, buying brands that do not contain triclosan. You should also change your toothbrush regularly, making sure not to accumulate too much triclosan in your bristles.
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