Zero-calorie sweeteners could alter the genes of later generations, new study warns

Key Points:

• A Chilean study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that mice consuming artificial sweeteners sucralose or stevia passed metabolic and gene activity changes to their offspring for two generations, even when later generations did not consume the sweeteners.
• The research suggests these sweeteners may alter gut bacteria and gene regulation linked to metabolism and inflammation, with sucralose showing stronger and more persistent effects than stevia.
• While the study was conducted in mice and cannot be directly applied to humans, experts highlight the plausibility of similar mechanisms affecting humans and recommend moderation, especially for pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy.
• The International Sweeteners Association maintains that sucralose and stevia remain safe within established intake limits and cautions that animal study results, particularly on gut microbiome impacts, have limited relevance to human health.
• Researchers emphasize the need for further investigation into the long-term biological effects of artificial sweeteners amid rising consumption and ongoing concerns about obesity and metabolic health trends.