Do Artificial Sweeteners Damage the Gut?

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Reddit
• Tumblr
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• RSS Feed
• Link

Do Artificial Sweeteners Damage the Gut?

• Shocking! All existing AIDS vaccine developments have failed 
• Sanofi Japan Data Breach: 730000 Healthcare Professionals’ Information Exposed
• CT Radiation Exposure Linked to Blood Cancer in Children and Adolescents
• FDA has mandated a top-level black box warning for all marketed CAR-T therapies
• Can people with high blood pressure eat peanuts?
• What is the difference between dopamine and dobutamine?
• How long can the patient live after heart stent surgery?

Do Artificial Sweeteners Damage the Gut?

Artificial sweeteners are already known for their potential to increase risks for heart disease and cancer. Now, researchers have added gut damage to the list of concerns.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition examined the effects of an artificial sweetener known as neotame on gut health.

Researchers created a model of the gut in the laboratory, incorporating two common bacteria found in the digestive system—*Escherichia coli* and *Enterococcus faecalis*—to simulate the gut microbiome.

The study found that exposure to neotame increased cell death and permeability in the intestinal wall. Furthermore, researchers observed that normally harmless gut bacteria began forming clusters, attaching to, and invading the cells of the intestinal wall, potentially leading to disease.

While the study did not examine the effects of neotame exposure in the human gut, the findings suggest that such exposure could damage the intestinal lining and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria (known as the gut microbiome). This disruption may ultimately increase the risk of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sepsis.

So, what about other artificial sweeteners? Dr. Austin Chiang, a gastroenterologist and Chief Medical Officer of Endoscopy at Medtronic, explains that artificial sweeteners can ferment in the colon, potentially causing symptoms like gas and bloating.

“While the exact impact of artificial sweeteners on gut health and their contribution to gut diseases is not fully understood, some studies have shown that certain artificial sweeteners can alter the gut microbiota,” says Dr. Chiang. Changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes by disrupting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to impaired glucose tolerance, according to Dr. Andrew Boxer, a gastroenterologist with the New Jersey Gastroenterology Society.

Dr. Boxer adds that animal studies suggest artificial sweeteners can not only disrupt the balance of gut bacteria but also promote inflammation and compromise the gut’s barrier function. He notes that artificial sweeteners may indirectly affect gut health by interfering with the body’s ability to regulate appetite and energy intake. These changes in appetite regulation could impact dietary patterns and nutrient absorption, potentially impairing overall gut function.

For those already suffering from gastrointestinal issues, artificial sweeteners may worsen symptoms. “Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol can be fermented by gut bacteria, leading to gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, especially in individuals with sensitive digestive systems,” says Dr. Boxer.

Artificial sweeteners could also increase gut permeability, leading to a condition known as leaky gut syndrome, where substances other than water and nutrients pass through the intestinal wall. “In diseases where the gut barrier function is already compromised, like Crohn’s disease, increased permeability could worsen inflammation and symptoms,” Dr. Boxer adds. “Artificial sweeteners may also cause diarrhea or constipation, symptoms often seen in conditions like IBS.”

While this study did not investigate the effects of artificial sweeteners on cancer risk, it highlights how sweeteners can damage the digestive tract and cause dysregulation. “The key takeaway is that artificial sweeteners could pose significant risks to the digestive system, ranging from simple symptoms like gas and bloating to potentially increasing the risk of certain cancers,” comments Dr. Boxer. “Overall, it’s best to avoid processed foods and chemicals.”

However, Dr. Chiang notes that artificial sweeteners can still benefit people with conditions like diabetes and obesity. “In some cases, the health benefits of using sugar substitutes may outweigh the risks of avoiding these sweeteners,” he says. “Ultimately, the decision to avoid artificial sweeteners depends on the individual patient.”

Do Artificial Sweeteners Damage the Gut?

______________________________

(source:internet, reference only)

Disclaimer of medicaltrend.org

Important Note: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.