The dangers of artificial sweeteners and supplements



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New research conducted by Israeli scientists complements the growing evidence suggesting that artificial sweeteners have dangerous effects on intestinal microbes – the complex of microorganisms present in the digestive tract of humans and Other animals.

RELATED: Are artificial sweeteners safe (and how much can you have)?

Recently published in the journal Molecules, this study highlights how exposure to six artificial sweeteners approved by the FDA results in the formation of toxic bacteria in the intestinal microbe, likely to lead to significant health complications.

Lead scientist Ariel Kushmaro, professor of microbial biotechnology at Ben-Gurion University, and his team examined the effects of aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, neotame, pre-sulfamate and potassium-k plus 10 sports supplements containing these artificial sweeteners on the intestines.

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After administering several times artificial sweeteners to E. coli, the researchers found that even a few sodas or cups of coffee artificially sweetened could have an influence on the intestinal microbe and make it more difficult to process sugar and ordinary carbohydrates.

They found that exposure to concentrations of only 1 mg / ml of sugar substitutes was toxic.

"We have modified bioluminescent E. coli bacteria, which luminesce when they detect toxic substances and act as a representative detection model of the complex microbial system, "Kushmaro said in a statement. This is further evidence that the consumption of artificial sweeteners negatively affects the intestinal microbial activity, which can health problems. "

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Intestinal bacteria play an important role in human health and provide the body with essential nutrients. They also help synthesize vitamin K, help digest cellulose and promote angiogenesis and enteric nerve function, said an earlier study published in Molecular Sciences.

But the negative effects of intestinal microbial activity can increase the risk of chronic diseases caused by dysbiosis. These health problems can include inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity and more. Intestinal bacteria also affect heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

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Often, people turn to sugar substitutes in hopes of reducing their sugar or calorie intake.

And the National Cancer Institute and other agencies believe there is no widely accepted scientific evidence that the six FDA-approved sweeteners cause cancer or other serious problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, "many studies confirm that artificial sweeteners are generally safe in limited quantities, even for pregnant women."

But the evidence of their effects on the intestinal microbe is growing. Kushmaro's recommendation: Avoid artificial sweeteners.

Read the full study on mdpi.com.

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