Specialist book from 2012 in the field of nutritional science / dietetics, language: German. Abstract: For decades, scientists worldwide have been investigating how chronic inflammatory bowel disease develops. Recently, the areas of gut flora and additives have gained significant importance in research. A twin study has shown that additives, which are now abundant in our food, can trigger and worsen the disease. Preservatives, colorants, flavor enhancers, and similar substances are novel and foreign to our bodies. Many of these substances did not exist in human dietary behavior throughout evolution. The immune system seems to react to them. This does not always lead to allergic reactions, but rather to intolerance reactions.