Popular artificial sweeteners are toxic to gut bacteria: study

Yet another study has found potential harmful effects on gut bacteria caused by artificial sweeteners. These products are designed as a substitute for sugar and often used by diabetics or low carb dieters as a way to minimize their blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, many of these popular sweeteners may also be toxic to gut bacteria, and it doesn’t take high doses to get that effect.

The latest research on the topic comes from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. According to the findings, popular sweeteners including aspartame and sucralose can have a toxic effect on gut bacteria, potentially causing health problems.

Researchers looked at a total of six artificial sweeteners, as well as 10 sports supplements with such sweetener products. When exposed to artificial sweetener concentrations of 1mg/ml, researchers found that gut bacteria became toxic, that potentially paving the way for a host of issues linked to disrupted gut bacteria.

Humans contain a variety of gut flora and a growing body of research suggests these can have a positive or negative effect on one’s health. A variety of factors influence gut bacteria levels, including things one can’t control, such as genes, and others like diet and environment.

This isn’t the first study to find evidence between gut bacteria toxicity and artificial sweeteners. A couple years ago, a team of Israeli researchers tested three popular sweeteners and found that they may influence bacteria that contributes to obesity.

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