Popular sweeteners may leave effects that last for generations

New research suggests that popular non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose and stevia may have lasting effects on metabolic health that can be passed down to future generations. These artificial sweeteners are often used in diet sodas and other low-calorie products, but some health experts are concerned about their potential impact on energy metabolism and the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

A study in mice found that both sucralose and stevia can alter the gut microbiome and gene activity in ways that may affect metabolic health, and these changes were observed in later generations.

Researchers divided 47 male and female mice into three groups, with one group receiving plain water and the other two groups receiving water containing either sucralose or stevia. The mice were bred for two generations, with the later generations only given plain water. The study tracked blood sugar levels, gut bacteria, and gene activity in each generation.

Mice exposed to sucralose showed stronger and more persistent effects, including gender-specific changes in glucose tolerance and gene expression that persisted two generations after the original exposure. Stevia had weaker effects that did not persist beyond one generation.

While the study did not prove that the sweeteners directly caused these effects, the findings highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term biological impacts of non-nutritive sweeteners. The researchers caution that the results come from mice, and the biological response may differ in humans. They suggest considering moderation in the consumption of these additives and continuing to study their long-term effects on metabolic health.