Study Finds Common Zero-Calorie Sweeteners May Affect Gut Health Across Generations
A new study in mice suggests that common zero-calorie sweeteners may have effects that extend well beyond their sweet taste. Researchers examined how sucralose and stevia influenced the gut microbiome and related metabolic processes.
The study found that both sweeteners altered the composition of gut bacteria in treated mice. Additionally, the researchers observed reductions in short-chain fatty acids—compounds produced by beneficial gut bacteria that play important roles in metabolism and immune function.
Perhaps most notably, the researchers detected similar changes in mice several generations removed from the original exposed group. These descendants had never consumed the sweeteners directly, yet showed altered gut microbiome signatures and reduced short-chain fatty acid levels. The findings suggest the sweeteners may influence gene expression patterns in ways that persist across generations.
The study also found that both sweeteners affected the activity of genes involved in metabolism and inflammation in the gut lining. These changes could have implications for understanding how artificial sweeteners might influence metabolic health over time.
The researchers acknowledge that findings in mice do not necessarily translate directly to humans, and further studies would be needed to determine whether similar effects occur in people. The study adds to an ongoing scientific discussion about how non-nutritive sweeteners interact with the gut microbiome and metabolic systems.