Most sugar substitutes disrupt gut bacteria and trigger surprising drug interactions

1 min read
Source: ZME Science
Most sugar substitutes disrupt gut bacteria and trigger surprising drug interactions
Photo: ZME Science
TL;DR Summary

A Cambridge study tested 39 sweeteners against 25 gut bacteria and found that roughly 75% affected at least one strain; mixing sweeteners with common compounds (caffeine, vanillin, and the antidepressant duloxetine) produced over 100 new interactions, some disruptive, suggesting sugar substitutes can alter the gut microbiome and interact with medications; the WHO notes non-sugar sweeteners show no proven long-term weight‑loss benefits.

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