MORPHOFUNCTIONAL EFFECTS OF THE COMBINED EXPOSURE TO SODIUM NITRITE, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, AND PONCEAU 4R ON THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Authors:

Abstract:

The widespread use of sodium nitrite, monosodium glutamate, and synthetic food colorants necessitates a comprehensive assessment of their effects on the digestive system, particularly under conditions of simultaneous exposure to several food additives. The aim of this review was to synthesize current experimental and analytical evidence on the morphofunctional effects of combined sodium nitrite, monosodium glutamate, and Ponceau 4R exposure on the digestive organs and to identify the potential mechanisms underlying the observed alterations. A structured literature search was performed in major international bibliographic databases, followed by screening, eligibility assessment, and qualitative synthesis in accordance with PRISMA principles. Thirty-two publications were included in the final analysis, comprising experimental animal studies, systematic and narrative reviews, and analytical studies addressing food additive exposure and control. The evidence indicates that combined exposure is associated with structural remodeling of the gastric and intestinal mucosa, alterations of intestinal villi and submucosal glands, changes in the hemomicrocirculatory bed, hepatic parenchymal injury, and salivary gland alterations. In parallel, food additives may affect gut microbiota composition, intestinal barrier integrity, metabolic homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and oxidative balance. The available evidence supports the concept that the safety of food additives should be evaluated not only individually but also in the context of their combined exposure and potential interactions.

Keywords:

food additives sodium nitrite monosodium glutamate Ponceau 4R digestive system gut microbiota morphofunctional changes

References:

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Publication:

«World of Medicine and Biology» Vol. 22 No. 97 (2026), pp. 217-224
UDC 616.3:613.2:615.9

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26724/2079-8334-2026-3-97-217-224