Nanotechnology has become prevalent in food processing and manufacturing as it ensures food safety. However, researchers have found that it may have adverse effects on babies. A recent study has found that nanoparticles can cross over to a fetus via the placenta, resulting in severe allergies later in life.
Food allergies in children are more prevalent
According to Dr. Karine Adel-Patient, a co-author of the study, nanoparticles have biocidal and immunotoxic characteristics. As a result, they could affect beneficial exchanges between the gut microbiome, disrupting the fetus’ gut immunity and intestinal barrier. The researchers believe that this explains the rise of food allergies in children.
About 6-8% of children and 2-5% of adults have food allergies, with these percentages rising in recent years. Scientists believe that environmental factors are a major cause of allergies. However, the high prevalence in children indicates that environmental factors in the early years are at play. The dietary practices and ecological health affect the gut microbiota causing food tolerance.
For the study, researchers investigate three additives that carry common nanoparticles for their impact on pregnant women. Dr. Adel-Patient believes that the particles cross the placental barrier to reach the fetus. The researcher also believes that the particle could be in breast milk, thus affecting neonates.
How nanoparticles affect gut immunity
Scientists have proven that nanoparticles can cross the parents in mice. They now believe that they can demonstrate this phenomenon in humans. Furthermore, they have found that the gut absorbs nanoparticles leading to their accumulation in the intestines. As a result, they accumulate and affect the population of bacteria. Since the intestines play a role in immunity, this causes allergic reactions. Additionally, nanoparticles affect the gut epithelium causing reactions to dietary proteins.
It is not easy to investigate immunotoxicity in humans. Despite this, the research team proved that nanoparticles affect the lymph tissue in the intestines. These results are consistent with studies on mice. They also show that nanoparticles have a larger impact on immunity than scientists previously thought.
The team admits that their research had limitations. For example, they exposed mice to more nanoparticles than humans consume in their diets. However, they believe that the impact of nanoparticles on immunity is worth evaluating.
