An artificial sweetener known as neotame, a derivative of aspartame, has been found to cause significant gut damage in a recent lab-based study. Published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the study showed that even small doses of neotame can lead to inflammation, resistance to insulin, and potentially serious blood infections. Dr. Havovi Chichger from Anglia Ruskin University explains that previous research has already shown the negative impacts of sweeteners like saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame on gut health.
Neotame, approved by the FDA in 2002, was found to damage the digestive tract in several ways – causing the death of cells lining the gut and disrupting the “good” bacteria vital for digestion. Testing neotame on various bacteria typically found in the microbiome revealed that the sweetener caused these bacteria to behave abnormally. Additionally, when the bacteria were combined with gut cells in a dish, neotame was found to make the bacteria toxic to the cells, leading to potential health issues such as diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and even infections like septicaemia.
Aspartame, an older sweetener related to neotame, has been the subject of controversy as some studies have suggested it may be carcinogenic in high doses. However, the new study focused on the gut damage caused by neotame rather than its potential cancer-causing effects. Regulatory organizations generally agree that there is no conclusive evidence that aspartame causes cancer at typical consumption levels. The FDA estimates that a person would need to consume a large amount of aspartame in a day to reach the upper end of the acceptable daily intake.
Dr. Chichger emphasizes that it is crucial to study the impact of newer sweeteners like neotame, as their research shows that these sweeteners can have similar negative effects on gut bacteria and overall health. The study tested neotame at or below recommended daily allowance levels for humans, indicating that even at these levels, the sweetener can cause harm. Dr. Chichger believes that it is important to further investigate common food additives and the potential molecular mechanisms behind their negative health impacts.
The researchers’ work highlights the need for a better understanding of the health implications of artificial sweeteners, especially newer options like neotame. By revealing the damaging effects of neotame on gut health, the study raises concerns about the use of this sweetener in various food products. As the debate about the health risks of artificial sweeteners continues, it becomes increasingly vital to conduct further research to determine the full extent of their impact on overall health.
