Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate

Animal and lab studies only

• Concern

  Gut barrier and absorption²

  In animal studies, polysorbate 80 weakened the gut's protective lining, letting more of a harmful chemical be absorbed.

• Concern

  Gut bacteria and gut lining³

  In lab studies, polysorbate 80 changed gut bacteria and weakened the gut lining in a simulator.

• Concern

  Gut barrier health⁴

  Polysorbate 80 broke down the gut barrier and caused inflammation in lab-grown intestinal cells.

The signal at the top counts the findings in people and in animal and lab studies. A concern in studies of people outranks animal and lab studies, and “No concerns” needs at least two findings in people. Findings whose study type is not stated are shown but not counted. This page is a reference, not medical advice. It describes what regulators and published research say. Talk to a doctor or dietitian about your own diet.