Exposure to calcium stearyl lactylate induces hepatointestinal toxicity and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice.

Calcium stearyl lactylate (CSL) is a widely used food emulsifier, particularly in pasta products. In this study, we investigated the potential toxicological effects of CSL exposure on organ health and gut microbiota in mice. Over a 12-week period, mice were administered CSL at 50, 500, and 5000 mg/kg·bw. Our study found that CSL exposure induced liver and colon inflammation, significantly elevating hepatic injury markers (ALT and AST). In parallel, key intestinal functional markers (CXCL-1, CXCL-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, ZO-1, and Occludin) were markedly altered, indicating compromised gut barrier integrity. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that CSL administration disrupted gut microbial diversity, characterized by decreased beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) and increased potentially harmful genera, including Anaerotruncus, Desulfovibrio, and Helicobacter. These findings indicate that long-term CSL intake can induce hepatointestinal damage and provoke significant dysbiosis of the gut microbiome.