A chemical additive used in many processed foods and frozen desserts may be harming your gut health, experts warn.
Polysorbate 80, an emulsifier found in products like ice cream, salad dressings, and cake mixes, is raising concern for its potential to disrupt the gut microbiome. The National Institutes of Health notes it’s also used in soaps, cosmetics, and eye drops.
Family nurse practitioner and integrative medicine expert Dr. Efrat LaMandre explained that emulsifiers like Polysorbate 80 are designed to make foods last longer and appear more appealing. “It’s completely man-made and does nothing good for your health,” she said, warning that it can break down the protective mucus layer in the gut and confuse the immune system.
Celebrity nutritionist Daryl Gioffre called the additive “one of the most toxic and acidic ingredients” for the gut, saying it kills beneficial bacteria while fueling harmful microbes. “Think of your gut like a garden — this ingredient feeds the weeds,” he said.
While large food manufacturers often use Polysorbate 80, Steve Christensen of the North American Ice Cream Association noted that many small, independent ice cream shops avoid it, instead opting for cleaner ingredients.
For healthier dessert options, Gioffre recommends coconut ice cream, chia pudding, or avocado chocolate mousse — treats that support gut health rather than compromise it.
LaMandre clarified that ice cream itself isn’t dangerous unless someone has sensitivities to sugar or dairy. “An occasional treat is fine,” she said. “But emulsifiers alone can be harmful, even in small amounts.”
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