A collaborative study revealed a shocking toxicity of FDA-approved artificial sweeteners on digestive gut microbes. At concentrations as low as just one milligram per liter, the bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal tract became toxic. These substances have been previously approved by authorities for consumer use. Six major artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, saccharine, acesulfame potassium-k, advantame and neotame) specifically raised concern among researchers who conducted this groundbreaking research.
The research team uncovered further evidence that artificial sweeteners can harm gut microbial health, by modifying luminescent E. coli bacteria to detect toxicants. Thus, serving as a stand-in for the complexities of microbial systems and revealing evidence linking artificial sweetener consumption to gut microbiome disruption leading to negative health outcomes. This creates an accurate sensing model of the complicated microbe system in our bodies that could yield serious consequences upon consumption.
Artificial sweeteners are widely used to reduce the amount of sugar in food products and drinks, but often go undetected by people consuming them. A growing concern is that artificial sweeteners have become environmental pollutants. Their presence have been identified In drinking water, and surface water sources such as lakes and rivers, as well as groundwater aquifers–threatening our ecosystems on a global scale.
This study could provide us with understanding on how artificial sweeteners impact the health of our gut microbial communities, as well as that of our planet. Additionally, this research proposes a potential solution by using bioluminescent bacterial panels to detect these compounds in the environment.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Measuring Artificial Sweeteners Toxicity Using a Bioluminescent Bacterial Panel
