Choosing the diet version of a favorite soda often means consuming non-nutritive sweeteners. These additives provide sweetness without the calories found in sugar. However, some health organizations have begun raising questions about their possible long-term effects, including whether they may disrupt energy metabolism and eventually contribute to a higher risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
New research in mice adds to those concerns. The study suggests that sucralose and stevia, two widely used sweeteners, can alter the gut microbiome and gene activity in ways that may affect metabolic health. Some of these biological changes were also observed in later generations.
"We found it intriguing that despite the growing consumption of these additives, the prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance has not declined," said Dr. Francisca Concha Celume of the Universidad de Chile, lead author of the article in Frontiers in Nutrition. "This does not mean that sweeteners are responsible for these trends, but it raises the question of whether they influence metabolism in ways we do not yet fully understand." Testing Sucralose and Stevia Across Generations Researchers began by dividing 47 male and female mice into three groups.
One group received plain water, while the other two received water containing either sucralose or stevia. The doses were designed to resemble amounts that a person might reasonably consume as part of a normal diet. The mice were then bred for two successive generations.
Unlike the original animals, both later generations were given only plain water. "Animal models allow us to control environmental conditions very precisely and to isolate the effect of a specific factor, such as a dietary compound, while also following several generations within a relatively short time," explained Concha. Tracking Blood Sugar, Gut Bacteria, and Gene Activity Researchers tested each generation for oral glucose tolerance, a measure used to evaluate how effectively the body handles glucose and identify signs of insulin resistance, which is an important warning sign for diabetes.
They also collected fecal samples to examine changes in the gut microbiome and measure concentrations of short-chain fatty acids. These compounds are produced by gut bacteria and can influence biological processes related to gene regulation. Changes in their levels could therefore point to epigenetic effects that may be transmitted from parents to offspring.
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