Ditch the sugar substitute, it harms the gut

Overconsumption of sugar in any form is a major factor in the development of conditions such as obesity and diabetes. — TNS

Artificial sweeteners have the ability to turn healthy gut bacteria into harmful microbes and potentially cause serious health issues such as blood poisoning, scientists say.

British researchers have found that sugar substitutes such as saccharin, sucralose and aspartame – found in soft drinks and processed foods – can cause beneficial bacteria in the intestines such as E.coli (Escherichia coli) and E.faecalis (Enterococcus faecalis) to become pathogenic, or disease-causing.

Bacteria like E.faecalis are able to cross the gut wall and enter the blood stream, which can lead to a life-threatening condition caused by blood poisoning (septicaemia) known as sepsis.

These disease-causing microbes can also accumulate in lymph nodes, liver and spleen and cause a number of other infections.

The researchers said that based on their findings, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, it is important to understand more about the effects of sweeteners on health.

“Our study is the first to show that some of the sweeteners most commonly found in food and drink – saccharin, sucralose and aspartame – can make normal and ‘healthy’ gut bacteria become pathogenic,” says Dr Havovi Chichger, a senior author of the paper.

Overconsumption of sugar is a major factor in the development of conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

“Therefore, it is important that we increase our knowledge of sweeteners versus sugars in the diet to better understand the impact on our health,” adds the senior lecturer in biomedical science at Anglia Ruskin University.

Pathogenic bacteria can invade and kill Caco-2 cells i.e. the cells which line the wall of the intestine.

The researchers found that a concentration of sweeteners – equivalent to two cans of diet soft drink – can significantly increase the ability of E.coli and E.faecalis to attach to Caco-2 cells.

They also found sweeteners to have an effect on the formation of biofilms – clusters of bacteria that are more likely to secrete toxins and less sensitive to antimicrobial resistance, potentially increasing the risk of disease.

The researchers write in their paper: “Since (artificial sweeteners) consumption in the diet continues to increase, understanding how this food additive affects gut microbiota and how these damaging effects can be ameliorated is vital.” — dpa