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Sweeteners May Harm Crucial Gut Bacteria
20 Jul
Summary
- Common sweeteners can hinder growth of beneficial gut microbes.
- Study shows over 100 interactions between sweeteners and other compounds.
- Laboratory findings suggest further human research is needed.
A laboratory study has revealed that commonly used sweeteners in food and beverages might disrupt the growth of vital gut bacteria. Scientists from the University of Cambridge tested 39 sweeteners against 25 gut bacteria species. The findings indicate that approximately 75% of these sweeteners affected bacterial growth, with some even stopping the proliferation of bacteria associated with a healthy gut.
The research also explored how sweeteners interact with other common compounds. Over 100 interactions were identified, with combinations sometimes amplifying or diminishing the sweeteners' effects. For instance, isosteviol, a widely used sweetener, was observed to suppress key gut bacteria when combined with duloxetine.
While these experiments were conducted in a lab setting and not on humans, the senior author, Professor Kiran Patil, noted that artificial sweeteners are not inert. He highlighted that they can interact with gut microbes, and these effects can be influenced by other substances, such as medications, suggesting potential unexpected influences on human health.
