New research indicates that artificial sweeteners like sucralose and stevia could have lasting effects on metabolism, potentially impacting future generations even without direct consumption. A study on mice found that the sweeteners altered metabolism-related genes passed down to offspring and grandchildren, raising concerns about the long-term biological consequences of these widely used sugar substitutes.
Artificial sweeteners, present in everything from sugar-free snacks to diet sodas, are a staple for many trying to lose weight. But new research suggests the substances could have multigenerational effects , potentially altering metabolism in future generations even without direct consumption. The findings raise questions about the long-term biological effects of widely used sugar substitutes, particularly as consumption has surged in recent years.
In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, Chilean researchers found that mice given sucralose or stevia passed on changes in metabolism-related genes to their children and grandchildren even when later generations did not consume the sweeteners.
WHY YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS WON’T GO AWAY, EVEN IF YOU STOP EATING SWEETS The findings suggest the sweeteners may have triggered changes in gut bacteria and gene activity that were then passed down across generations of the mice. While they do not prove the same thing happens in humans, the study adds to a body of research examining whether non-nutritive sweeteners really have no effect on the body, as many people believe.
'When we compared generations, these effects were generally strongest in the first generation and tended to decrease in the second generation,' lead author Francisca Concha Celume of the Universidad de Chile said in a statement.
The researchers divided 47 male and female mice into three groups. One group received plain water, another received water with sucralose and a third received water with stevia. The doses reflected amounts humans might typically consume, according to the study.
Some 140 million Americans consume non-nutritive sweeteners regularly. After 16 weeks, the mice were bred for two generations. The later generations received only plain water, but researchers still found changes in gut bacteria, lower levels of short-chain fatty acids, beneficial compounds that support metabolism and immune health, and shifts in genes linked to inflammation and metabolism, according to the study.
'MIRACLE FRUIT' MAY HELP CANCER PATIENTS OVERCOME CHEMO SIDE EFFECT THAT CAN LEAD TO DANGEROUS WEIGHT LOSS Sucralose, a popular no-calorie sugar substitute, appeared to have a stronger and more lasting effect, the researchers found. Approximately 140 million Americans consume non-nutritive sweeteners regularly, according to survey data cited by the researchers.
Male offspring of mice that consumed sucralose showed mild signs of impaired glucose regulation, while effects in females were more limited, the research said. Stevia's impact was smaller and appeared to fade sooner.
Concha Celume said the goal is not to alarm consumers but to push for more research into the long-term biological effects of these additives. THE ZERO-CALORIE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE YOU'RE USING MAY DO MORE THAN SWEETEN FOOD, STUDY SAYS 'What we observed were subtle changes in how the body regulates glucose and in the activity of genes associated with inflammation and metabolic regulation,' she said. 'It is possible that such changes could increase susceptibility to metabolic disturbances under certain conditions, such as a high-fat diet.'
'We don't have equivalent human data yet, but the precautionary principle applies here.' Concha Celume said it's worth noting that as artificial sweeteners have grown more popular, obesity and metabolic problems haven't declined. While that doesn't mean the sweeteners are to blame, she said it raises questions about how they might affect the body.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER 'It may be reasonable to consider moderation in the consumption of these additives and to continue studying their long-term biological effects,' she added.
Even though the study was conducted in mice and its findings cannot be directly applied to humans, it is worth taking seriously, according to Kristen Kuminski, a New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in metabolic health, weight management and nutrition support for people using GLP-1 medications. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Outside experts say the findings, while limited to mice, align with growing concerns about how artificial sweeteners may affect the body. 'The mechanisms it's pointing to, specifically gut microbiome disruption and epigenetic changes, are plausible in humans and align with what we're already seeing in the broader sweetener research,' Kuminski told Fox News Digital. She said it's not surprising that sucralose showed stronger effects than stevia. 'Stevia is plant-derived and metabolized differently than sucralose, which passes through the gut largely unchanged and has more direct contact with gut bacteria,' Kuminski said.
For consumers, the most reasonable takeaway is moderation, Kuminski agreed. 'Sucralose and stevia have been rigorously evaluated by food safety authorities.' 'For most people, reducing sucralose specifically and leaning toward whole food sources of sweetness is a reasonable takeaway from this research,' she said. 'Stevia in moderation appears to be the lower-risk option if a zero-calorie sweetener is something someone relies on regularly. '
'The multigenerational piece is the part that should give people pause, particularly anyone who is pregnant or planning to be. We don't have equivalent human data yet, but the precautionary principle applies here.'
The International Sweeteners Association , based in Brussels and representing suppliers and other stakeholders, said the study does not change existing safety conclusions for sweeteners such as sucralose and stevia. 'Sucralose and stevia have been rigorously evaluated by food safety authorities and approved for use in food and drinks within their acceptable daily intake,' the group said in a statement on its website.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The ISA also noted that because later generations of mice were never directly given the sweeteners, it's unclear whether the changes were passed down through gut bacteria or through other biological mechanisms.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP 'Results from animal experiments, particularly those focused on the gut microbiome, are of limited relevance to human health,' the group added. Fox News Digital reached out to the ISA and the study authors for additional comment.
Artificial Sweeteners Metabolism Multigenerational Effects Gut Bacteria Genetics
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Adaptive MindPsychology at the boundaries of human, collective, and artificial intelligence
Read more »
Dungeness crab: Bay Area’s season will close April 30 — then reopen for whale-safe fishingExperimental gear may be used starting May 7, state officials announced
Read more »
Gatorade switches to plant-based dyes in MAHA winLast month, PepsiCo announced that Gatorade would introduce a line of beverages with less sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
Read more »
Fact Check Team: Anthropic’s Mythos AI raises cybersecurity promise, but poses riskA powerful new artificial intelligence model is drawing attention in the tech and cybersecurity world.
Read more »
New artificial muscle shows 91% recovery, reshapes and heals after damageSeoul researchers built an artificial muscle that changes shape, self-heals and can be reused for future robots.
Read more »
Zero-calorie sweeteners could alter the genes of later generations, new study warnsFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »