Posted on 06/25/2021 12:37:42 PM PDT by Red Badger
New research has discovered that common artificial sweeteners can cause previously healthy gut bacteria to become diseased and invade the gut wall, potentially leading to serious health issues.
The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, is the first to show the pathogenic effects of some of the most widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame—on two types of gut bacteria, E. coli (Escherichia coli) and E. faecalis (Enterococcus faecalis).
Previous studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can change the number and type of bacteria in the gut, but this new molecular research, led by academics from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has demonstrated that sweeteners can also make the bacteria pathogenic. It found that these pathogenic bacteria can attach themselves to, invade, and kill Caco-2 cells, which are epithelial cells that line the wall of the intestine.
It is known that bacteria such as E. faecalis which cross the intestinal wall can enter the blood stream and congregate in the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, causing a number of infections including septicaemia.
This new study discovered that at a concentration equivalent to two cans of diet soft drink, all three artificial sweeteners significantly increased the adhesion of both E. coli and E. faecalis to intestinal Caco-2 cells, and differentially increased the formation of biofilms.
Bacteria growing in biofilms are less sensitive to antimicrobial resistance treatment and are more likely to secrete toxins and express virulence factors, which are molecules that can cause disease.
Additionally, all three sweeteners caused the pathogenic gut bacteria to invade Caco-2 cells found in the wall of the intestine, with the exception of saccharin which had no significant effect on E. coli invasion.
Senior author of the paper Dr. Havovi Chichger, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: "There is a lot of concern about the consumption of artificial sweeteners, with some studies showing that sweeteners can affect the layer of bacteria which support the gut, known as the gut microbiota.
"Our study is the first to show that some of the sweeteners most commonly found in food and drink—saccharin, sucralose and aspartame—can make normal and 'healthy' gut bacteria become pathogenic. These pathogenic changes include greater formation of biofilms and increased adhesion and invasion of bacteria into human gut cells.
"These changes could lead to our own gut bacteria invading and causing damage to our intestine, which can be linked to infection, sepsis and multiple-organ failure.
"We know that overconsumption of sugar is a major factor in the development of conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Therefore, it is important that we increase our knowledge of sweeteners versus sugars in the diet to better understand the impact on our health."
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More bad news for artificial sweetener users More information: Aparna Shil et al, Artificial Sweeteners Negatively Regulate Pathogenic Characteristics of Two Model Gut Bacteria, E. coli and E. faecalis, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021). DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105228 Provided by Anglia Ruskin University
“I’ve found the natural stevia leaf extract to be petty good.”
Next week: 90 ways that stevia leaf extract can kill you.
I have been using liquid Stevia for a long time. I always carry a small 1 oz. dropper bottle with me in case I stop in some place to have coffee and use Stevia as a sweetener. It is a very economical and powerful and above all a natural sweetener. Usual all it takes is a couple of drops.
My long ago suspicion of artificial sweeteners is a little like my doubts about the vax. I didn’t see any big benifit to drinking diet stuff and I’m always suspicious of the ‘something for nothing” idea.
Stevia makes me nauseous and gassy. I use Xylitol. Tastes like sugar, is natural and no gut issues.
That is the only sweetener I use. Anything else gives me problems.
This stuff really gives me a very bad stomach ache.
The study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, is the first to show the pathogenic effects of some of the most widely used artificial sweeteners—saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame—on two types of gut bacteria, E. coli (Escherichia coli) and E. faecalis (Enterococcus faecalis).
2nd sentence. Took me awhile to find them, too.
It is true that I have an unexplained health problem that could conceivably be linked to high exposure to artificial sweeteners — but, OTOH — the pretty severe colitis I had as a young person was mysteriously cured about the time I started artificial sweeteners. Coincidence?
I’d still rather deal with these than hfcs or plain sugar, looking back to the tons that would be by now.
For me Stevia leaves a mildly bitter aftertaste. I’ve lately been experimenting using a Monk Fruit sweetener mix (available in a mix with erythritol, the main ingredient in Swerve). It’s extremely sweet with no bitter aftertaste I can notice. But drinking unsweetened coffee, tea, and water only, I use any sweetener rarely, for things like Christmas cookies or Thanksgiving pumpkin pie and whipped cream.
I could stand at one end of the latrine, bend over, and hit the toilet 20 feet away ...
Monk Fruit is good, but use it sparingly. It has unpleasant side effects. You probably know what they are.
I drink my coffee dark roast black no sugar. You get used to it.
Splenda today, Splenda yesterday, Splenda forever
Stevia leaves a strong black licorice aftertaste for me.
While I rarely enjoy a small amount of black licorice I never want that flavor in anything I am sweetening.
Can’t use it for anything.
I have used artificial sweeteners for longer than many of you have been alive. Ditto for other members of my family. We are all just fine, thanks. Many studies are completely bogus, and there is a lot of bad science out there. Wonder if this study was funded by the sugar industry as many other anti-artificial sweetener studies have been?
As for stevia, the taste is nasty, and there are possible side effect for using that, too. Just because it is natural, does not make it safe.
Nothing is perfect, but I will take my chances with the artificial stuff.
Splenda began giving me the “squirts” last summer. I was working outdoors in hot weather, and putting “Mio” drops in water for electrolyes. I was sick from drinking the stuff, then got really dehydrated and drank more and more until I had my “AHA” moment and quit drinking it. The problem went away but not for 3 weeks. I didn’t use the stuff for a year, then I found a bottle in my fridge, and used it one day. Near instant cramping.
There is a guy who invented a treatment for the Covid and of course other Corona viruses along the lines of Zicam. It is based on Xylitol.
I’ve been drinking saccharine in my iced tea since I was a kid. I’m 69 y.o. I’ve never been in favor of aspartame (nutrisweet). I have some splenda for baking, but I don’t use it often. I usually use sugar alcohols, and monk fruit powder. (BTW, I’m back on a keto diet, but I discovered that instead of the “less than 20 net carbs per day” rule that all the keto ‘blogs’ say is necessary to achieve ketosis, is inaccurate. It is no more than 50 net carbs per day, in order to achieve ketosis).
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-into-ketosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/is-the-keto-diet-for-you-a-mayo-expert-weighs-in/art-20457595
If you want something sweet just freaking eat sugar! 🙄
Xylitol causes some people gas, and is toxic to dogs and cats. I’ve never tried it, but I hear it’s a good product, otherwise.
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