Artificial sweeteners may alter metabolism across generations, study finds

Found in everything from sugar-free snacks to diet sodas, artificial sweeteners are a staple for many people trying to lose weight; however, new research suggests that substances may have multigenerational effects, potentially altering metabolism in future generations, even if not consumed directly.

The findings raise questions about the long-term biological effects of commonly used sugar substitutes, especially as consumption has increased in recent years.

In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, Chilean researchers found that mice given sucralose or stevia passed on changes in metabolism-related genes to their children and grandchildren, even if subsequent generations did not consume the sweeteners.

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The findings suggest that sweeteners may have triggered changes in gut bacteria and gene activity that were then passed on to generations of mice.

Although it doesn’t prove that the same thing happens in humans, this study adds to a body of research examining whether non-nutritive sweeteners truly have no effect on the body, as many people believe.

“When we compared generations, we found that these effects were generally strongest in the first generation and tended to decrease in the second generation,” lead author Francisca Concha Celume of Universidad de Chile said in a statement. he said.

The researchers divided 47 male and female mice into three groups.

One group was given plain water, the other was given water with sucralose, and the third group was given water with stevia. The doses reflect amounts people might typically consume, according to the study.

Approximately 140 million Americans regularly consume non-nutritive sweeteners.

After 16 weeks, the mice were bred for two generations. Subsequent generations were given just plain water, but the researchers still found changes in gut bacteria, lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (beneficial compounds that support metabolism and immune health), and changes in genes linked to inflammation and metabolism, according to the study.

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Researchers found that sucralose, a popular calorie-free sugar substitute, had a stronger and more lasting effect. Nearly 140 million Americans regularly consume non-nutritive sweeteners, according to survey data the researchers noted.

The study noted that male offspring of mice consuming sucralose showed signs of mildly impaired glucose regulation, while the effects were more limited in females. Stevia had a smaller effect and appeared to fade more quickly.

People often add artificial sweeteners to their coffee and tea. (iStock)

Concha Celume said the aim was not to alarm consumers but to encourage more research into the long-term biological effects of these additives.

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“What we observed were subtle changes in how the body regulates glucose and the activity of genes associated with inflammation and metabolic regulation,” he said.

“It is possible that such changes increase susceptibility to metabolic disorders under certain conditions, such as a high-fat diet.”

“We don’t have equivalent human data yet, but the precautionary principle applies here.”

Concha Celume also stated that as the popularity of artificial sweeteners increases, obesity and metabolic problems do not decrease.

While that doesn’t mean sweeteners are to blame, he said, it does raise questions about how they might affect the body.

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“It may make sense to exercise moderation in the consumption of these additives and continue to study their long-term biological effects,” he added.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener; Stevia is obtained from a plant. (iStock)

Although the study was conducted in mice and its findings cannot be directly applied to humans, the research is worth taking seriously, according to Kristen Kuminski, a New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in metabolic health, weight management, and nutritional support for people taking GLP-1 medications.

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Outside experts say the findings, although limited to mice, are in line with growing concerns about how artificial sweeteners may affect the body.

“The mechanisms he identifies, specifically disruption of the gut microbiome and epigenetic changes, are plausible in humans and are consistent with what we are already seeing in broader sweetener research,” Kuminski told Fox News Digital.

Sugar substitutes are widely used for weight control, but researchers are investigating their potential health effects. (iStock)

He said it was not surprising that sucralose showed stronger effects than stevia. “Stevia is plant-derived and is metabolized differently than sucralose, which passes through the gut largely unchanged and has more direct contact with gut bacteria.”

Kuminski agreed that the most reasonable solution for consumers is moderation.

“Sucralose and stevia have been rigorously evaluated by food safety authorities.”

“For most people, reducing sucralose in particular and shifting to all sources of sweet foods is a reasonable implication from this research,” he said. “If a zero-calorie sweetener is something someone relies on regularly, Stevia in moderation seems like a lower-risk option.”

He added: “The multigenerational piece should give people pause, especially anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. We don’t have equivalent human data yet, but the precautionary principle applies here.”

Speaking to Fox News Digital, an expert said moderation is recommended when it comes to artificial sweeteners in drinks. (iStock)

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA), which is based in Brussels and represents suppliers and other stakeholders, said the study did not change existing safety conclusions for sweeteners such as sucralose and stevia.

“Sucralose and stevia have been rigorously evaluated by food safety authorities and approved for use in food and beverages within acceptable daily intakes,” the group said in a statement on its website. he said.

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ISA also noted that because the sweeteners were never directly administered to subsequent generations of mice, it was unclear whether the changes were transferred through gut bacteria or through other biological mechanisms.

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“Results from animal experiments, particularly those focusing on the gut microbiome, have limited relevance to human health,” the group added.

Fox News Digital has reached out to ISA and the study’s authors for additional comment.