Can food additives trigger gut inflammation in people with Crohn's disease?

What's actually in it

Processed foods contain emulsifiers, thickeners, sweeteners, and preservatives that help with texture, taste, and shelf life. These additives interact with the bacteria in your gut. For people with Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions, this interaction can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Nutrients tested 12 common food additives on gut microbiome samples from adults with Crohn's disease in remission and healthy controls. The researchers found that several additives disrupted gut bacteria and reduced their ability to ferment dietary fiber. The effects were worse in samples from Crohn's patients.

Fiber fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that protect the gut lining and control inflammation. When additives block this process, the gut becomes more vulnerable to damage and disease flare-ups.

If you have Crohn's or IBD, pay close attention to food labels. Avoid products with long lists of additives, especially carrageenan, polysorbate 80, and carboxymethylcellulose. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods during remission to support gut health.