If you’re a food enthusiast, something disturbing is something you need to know. Lurking within seemingly familiar foods could be a hidden danger: lantibiotics. These aren’t the antibiotics your doctor gives you – they’re powerful synthetic preservatives used by the food industry to make things last longer on the shelf. And the consequences for your health may be more serious than you realize.
Industrial Additives, Not Medical Treatments
Lantibiotics are stealthy antibiotics that are broadly used in food production.[1] They work by ruthlessly killing bacteria and fungi, allowing everything from processed meats to dairy products to stay “fresh” for longer. This sounds convenient, but the need for more transparency leaves you in the dark; lantibiotics are often quietly added without clear labeling.[2]
The Dangers You Can’t See
The real problem with lantibiotics isn’t just that they’re in your food; it’s how they might change your body over time. First, they can wreak havoc on your gut microbiome—the delicate ecosystem of bacteria crucial for digestion and overall health.[3] By wiping out good bacteria along with the bad, lantibiotics contribute to an imbalance that can lead to serious long-term health problems.
Worse yet, there’s growing concern that lantibiotics contribute to antibiotic resistance. This renders life-saving antibiotics less effective when you truly need them.[4] There’s also the possibility that lantibiotics disrupt your immune system, potentially increasing your risk of autoimmune conditions.[5] Remember, the danger lies in regular, low-level exposure over time.
Time to Take Control
It’s not all doom and gloom! You can protect yourself. Here’s how:
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Fresh, organic produce, meats, and dairy are naturally lantibiotic-free. Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store as much as possible.
- Scrutinize Labels: “Antibiotic-free” or “No antibiotics added” are your friends. Organic certification is another helpful sign.
- Support Sustainable Farmers: Seek out local farms and markets – they take ethical practices seriously, including avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.
The Fight for Food Safety
Protecting yourself is essential, but we need bigger changes too. We need clear labeling laws that reveal the use of lantibiotics and tighter regulations on their use in food production. Your voice matters – demand transparency and healthier choices from the food industry.
Let’s Change the Food System
Lantibiotics expose an inconvenient truth: our food system often values profit over long-term health. By choosing wisely, supporting conscious agriculture, and advocating for reform, we can create a safer, healthier future where food nourishes us, not harms us.
References:
- “Lantibiotic.” Lantibiotic – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/lantibiotic. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.
- Nagao, Jun-ichi et al. “Lantibiotics: insight and foresight for new paradigm.” Journal of bioscience and bioengineering vol. 102,3 (2006): 139-49. doi:10.1263/jbb.102.139
- Wood, Matt. “Common Food Preservative Has Unexpected Effects on the Gut Microbiome.” Biological Sciences Division | The University of Chicago, 2 Feb. 2024, biologicalsciences.uchicago.edu/news/food-preservatives-gut-microbiome. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.
- Ventola, C Lee. “The antibiotic resistance crisis: part 1: causes and threats.” P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management vol. 40,4 (2015): 277-83.
- Kiss, Christopher et al. “Long-Term Outcomes in Patients on Life-Long Antibiotics: A Five-Year Cohort Study.” Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,1 62. 5 Jan. 2022, doi:10.3390/antibiotics11010062