Deciphering the Effects of Food Colorants on Host Health: Gut Microbiota Dependent and Independent Pathways

Qiongni Lin; Qixing Nie; Chunhua Chen; Yonggan Sun; Shanshan Zhang; Jianqiao Zou; Shaoping Nie

doi:10.1016/j.eng.2026.01.011

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Deciphering the Effects of Food Colorants on Host Health: Gut Microbiota Dependent and Independent Pathways

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Abstract

Food colorants, including natural and artificial types, play a significant role in the food industry by enhancing visual appeal. Yet, their impact on human health remains a growing concern. Recent studies have suggested that food colorants may influence host health through both microbiota dependent and independent pathways. This review systematically categorizes food colorants based on their structural characteristics and origins. It highlights their biological properties, focusing on their interactions with gut microbiota and their direct impacts on host physiology. Natural food colorants exhibit beneficial effects on health by modulating gut microbiota and producing beneficial metabolites. In contrast, artificial food colorants, like azo colorants, can disrupt gut microbiota balance and potentially contribute to inflammatory and metabolic disorders. We integrate findings from recent studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these interactions, highlighting key challenges and future directions for research. This may elucidate the causal mechanisms linking food colorants to host health and inform the safer and more effective development of food colorants.

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Food colorants / Gut microbiota / Host health / Degradation products / Food safety

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Qiongni Lin, Qixing Nie, Chunhua Chen, Yonggan Sun, Shanshan Zhang, Jianqiao Zou, Shaoping Nie. Deciphering the Effects of Food Colorants on Host Health: Gut Microbiota Dependent and Independent Pathways. Engineering 202601011 DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2026.01.011

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