Eating a lot of salt makes the gut more leaky in fruit flies and also makes them die sooner.
Scientific Claim
Sodium chloride (table salt) is associated with increased intestinal permeability in Drosophila melanogaster and reduced lifespan in this model.
Original Statement
“TWEEN 20 and salt diets both led to significantly reduced longevity compared with control-fed flies (Fig. 3E,F), with survival curves showing earlier death in TWEEN-20-fed than salt-fed flies, which correlated with predominantly early (TWEEN 20)- versus late (salt)-age gut barrier dysfunction.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study used animal models without human randomization or control, so it can only show association, not causation. The language 'associated with' appropriately reflects the study design.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Effect of dietary additives on intestinal permeability in both Drosophila and a human cell co-culture