People who regularly consume yoghurts and protein shakes are at greater risk of developing colon cancer, new evidence has revealed.
Yoghurts and protein shakes are commonly recognised as healthy, but latest research has shown they contain emulsifiers – potentially harmful substances.
Ingredients in foods are held together by additives such as xanthan gum, sucralose and soy lecithin.
Research has revealed that these additives can damage the gut microbiome and trigger the development of bowel changes, inflammation linked to cancer and gas bloating.
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Dr Maria Abreu, President of the American Gastroenterological Association, said: “Chronic inflammation leads to colon cancer, and I suspect that’s transformative in this new rise of young people developing colon cancer.
“One of the things that has changed very dramatically in our food supply is the addition of emulsifiers.”
Previous studies have suggested that emulsifiers can break down the protective layer of mucus lining the gut, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply.
Emulsifiers are used in several foods, such as candies, light salad dressings and processed meats, as well as healthier foods such as low-fat yoghurts and protein products.
While doctors are campaigning about the dangers of emulsifiers on gut health, the Food and Drug Administration believes they are safe.
In 2025, more than 50,000 people in the US are predicted to die from colorectal cancer and a further 150,000 are expected to be diagnosed with the condition.
Protein shakes often contain carrageenan – an emulsifier derived from red seaweed. This is often added to protein shakes to give them a thicker texture and keep them in form for months.
The high acid levels in carrageenan can make it degrade in the stomach and turn into a potentially toxic substance.
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Dr Abreu said: “Exposure to the additive could cause inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, which also raise the risk of suffering from the cancer.”
Carrageenan and some other emulsifiers are found in light yoghurts and zero-sugar Greek yoghurts.
Dr Abreu said: “Something in the microbiome has changed, and it’s setting in motion this chronic inflammation in the [gastrointestinal] tract. These ultra-processed foods create a lot of noise in the microbial system.
“Things like emulsifiers that are added in, things that are creamy, you know, the non-fat yoghurts and all these things, really can change the gut microbiome very profoundly.”
Peanut butter, coffee creamer substitutes, nut milk, shredded cheese and energy bars can also trigger the development of colon cancer, doctors have said.
