Zero-calorie sweeteners on trial
Exposure to sucralose and acesulfame-K in the womb and via breastmilk leads to altered intestinal flora and liver toxicity in mouse pups.
As a sugar substitute, zero-calorie sweeteners reduce tooth decay and blood sugar spikes. Seven are approved worldwide and safe for humans – but does this mean they’re healthy?
For the first time, scientists exposed pregnant and lactating mice to sucralose and acesulfame-K – a common combination in soda, sports supplements, and other sweetened products – and found their pups developed harmful metabolic and gut bacteria changes.
Published in Frontiers in Microbiology, the study reinforces an emerging consensus: artificial sweeteners may be safe when used in moderation by adults, but they are not a “magic bullet” alternative to sugar.
Since sweeteners are known to be passed on in small amounts via the placenta and breast milk, the researchers asked whether similar metabolic and microbiome changes occur in offspring following maternal sweetener intake.