Artificial sweeteners are considered harmful to the good bacteria that live in the gut
This is then according to a new study published in the journal Molecules, by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
The research indicates a relative toxicity of six sweeteners aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, neotame, acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) and advantame. In addition, 10 sports supplements that have these artificial substances in the ingredient list were investigated.
Although approval bodies such as EFSA provide specific recommendations for the amount of each sweetener that can be consumed, the study showed that doses may need to be reassessed.
According to the analysis, the bacteria in the digestive system identified the presence of toxic substances when exposed to concentrations of just 1 mg of these artificial sweeteners.
The researchers stated that "the bacteria act as a representative sensor in the complex microbial system which is further evidence that the consumption of artificial sweeteners negatively affects gut microbial activity, which can cause widespread health problems".
Artificial sweeteners are used in a number of sugary foods and soft drinks. Many people use such ingredients without knowing or understanding that artificial sweeteners are added to certain products.
In addition, artificial sweeteners have become identified as new environmental pollutants, and can be found both in surface water and in underground aquifers.
"The results of this study can help to understand the relative toxicity of artificial sweeteners and the possibility of harmful effects on the microbial community of the gut, as well as on the environment.
Artificial sweeteners - An ignored environmental threat?