Non-caloric artificial sweeteners and the microbiome: findings and challenges

Abstract

These authors equally contributed to this work. N on-caloric artificial sweeteners (NAS) are common food supplements consumed by millions worldwide as means of combating weight gain and diabetes, by retaining sweet taste without increasing caloric intake. While they are considered safe, there is increasing controversy regarding their potential ability to promote metabolic derangements in some humans. We recently demonstrated that NAS consumption could induce glucose intolerance in mice and distinct human subsets, by functionally altering the gut microbiome. In this commentary, we discuss these findings in the context of previous and recent works demonstrating the effects of NAS on host health and the microbiome, and the challenges and open questions that need to be addressed in understanding the effects of NAS consumption on human health.

Chronic Low-Calorie Sweetener Use and Risk of Abdominal Obesity among Older Adults: A Cohort Study

“…The altered microbiota exhibit enhanced energy harvest pathways previously associated with obesity in mice and humans. These mice also had altered bacterial taxa similar to those found associated with type 2 diabetes in humans [42, 43]. Other low-calorie sweeteners such as sucralose has also been shown to contribute to weight gain and altered intestinal microbiota in rats [44].…”

Low-calorie sweetener use and energy balance: Results from experimental studies in animals, and large-scale prospective studies in humans

“…It should be noted, however, that biologically plausible mechanisms have been identified through both animal and human studies, and include – among others – disruption of animals’ ability to predict the caloric consequences of sweet taste [6,7,10]; decreased release of GLP1 in response to sweet-tasting food [17]; up- and down-regulation of gene transcription in adipose tissue [32]; disruption of neurometabolic function in the hippocampus [83]; altered reward processing of sweet taste in humans [84]; and adverse impacts on the gut microbiota [29,30,85]. This last topic – the potential impact of LCS on the gut microbiota – is of particular concern.…”

“…In the broadest sense, it could be likened, simplistically, to a rainforest. Could high-volume, daily intake of diet sodas affect the gut microbiota adversely – through either their LCS content itself [29,30,85], BPA content [91], advanced glycation endproducts, or other chemical components – in any way that is comparable to the impact that human-origin chemical exposures might have on an actual rainforest, by shifting the balance of microbiota subpopulations and their behaviors? Even subtle changes might influence cardiometabolic risk itself.…”

Understanding the metabolic and health effects of low-calorie sweeteners: methodological considerations and implications for future research

“…This is important particularly in light of recent findings suggesting that LCS may affect the gut microbiota [15, 16, 36], which differ in individuals who are obese or have diabetes [37]. Both conditions are characterized by reduced bacterial diversity and increased inflammation [38].…”