Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 12: A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has found that non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) could trigger changes in gut health and gene expression that may extend across generations.

Non-nutritive sweeteners such as Aspartame, Saccharin, Sucralose and Stevia are widely used as low-calorie alternatives to sugar. While they help reduce sugar intake, growing evidence suggests they may not be metabolically neutral.

The study highlighted that high consumption of these sweeteners—especially among women of childbearing age—could have unintended long-term effects. Previous guidance from the World Health Organization has also cautioned that prolonged use of such sweeteners may be linked to increased risks of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Researchers conducted experiments on mice across three generations to examine how parental intake of stevia and sucralose affects metabolism, gut microbiota, and gene activity in offspring.

The results showed that:

• Parental intake of sweeteners led to changes in gut bacteria composition and metabolic by-products, some of which were passed on to the next generation.

• These changes were more pronounced with sucralose and persisted longer across generations compared to stevia.

• Offspring showed alterations in gene expression linked to inflammation and metabolism, even without direct exposure to the sweeteners.

• Levels of beneficial gut compounds known as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were reduced in groups exposed to sweeteners.

• Effects on blood sugar levels were modest but varied depending on the type of sweetener and generation.

The first-generation (F1) offspring showed significant changes in gut microbiota and inflammation-related genes, while some of these effects appeared to partially reverse by the second generation (F2). However, certain alterations—especially those linked to sucralose—persisted.

Researchers noted that these findings challenge the assumption that artificial sweeteners are entirely safe from a metabolic perspective. The study suggests that parental dietary habits, particularly involving NNS, may influence the health of future generations.

While the study was conducted on animals, researchers emphasised the need for further studies to understand how these findings translate to humans. The long-term impact of widespread sweetener use, especially among younger populations and expectant parents, remains an area of concern.

The findings add to a growing body of research urging caution in the excessive use of artificial sweeteners, despite their popularity as sugar substitutes.