Study finds that some FDA approved artificial sweeteners are toxic to gut bacteria

A collaborative study from Ben-Gurion University, Israel and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore found that some FDA approved artificial sweeteners are toxic to gut bacteria.  The study published in Molecules indicates that 6 artificial sweeteners, aspartame, sucralose, saccharine, neotame, advantame, and acesulfame potassium-k are all toxic to our gut health.  The bacteria found in the gut became toxic when exposed to concentrations of just 1 mg./ml. of the artificial sweeteners.

The study authors believe ‘this is further evidence that consumption of artificial sweeteners adversely affects gut microbial activity which causes a wide range of health issues’, the study authors hope ‘the results of this study might help in understanding the relative toxicity of artificial sweeteners and the potential of negative effects on the gut microbial community as well as on the environment.’ 

NOTE:  Artificial sweeteners have also been identified as emerging environmental pollutants