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A recent study showed that artificial sweeteners can be dangerous to people’s health.
Researchers from Singapore and Israel studied artificial sweeteners that are present in approved food and drinks in the United States and the European Union. Artificial sweeteners are commonly found in sports supplements and diet drinks like Diet Coke. Unlike natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners have lower sugar content and fewer calories. Despite having benefits to health and weight loss, the researchers discovered that artificial sweeteners can be harmful to gut bacteria.
In an experiment, the researchers altered gut bacteria to glow when they come into contact with toxins. When artificial sweeteners were added to the bacteria, the researchers confirmed the presence of toxins. Upon observation, the gut bacteria also responded even to very little amount of artificial sweeteners.
Healthy gut bacteria are linked to nutrient absorption and digestion. However, the toxicity in the gut brought about by artificial sweeteners can disrupt these processes.
Other studies also claim that artificial sweeteners pose health risks. Last March, researchers from George Washington University said that artificial sweeteners increase the risk of obesity. The researchers said that sucrose, a particular artificial sweetener, makes the body gain more fat. Obesity may, in turn, lead to other conditions like heart problems, cancer, and even type 2 diabetes.
Experts say that sugar and fat are the main culprits of obesity. As such, some organizations encourage people to consume low-calorie or low-sugar alternatives. But with these new findings, getting those alternatives seems to be counterproductive.