A new study from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK has found that the artificial sweetener neotame may damage healthy cells in the human intestinal tract, potentially leading to serious health issues like irritable bowel syndrome. Neotame is used as an ingredient in baked goods, various food products, and as a tabletop flavoring. This research raises concerns about the risks and benefits of neotame as a sweetener, particularly in relation to obesity and other chronic conditions.
Neotame, a sweetener that is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose, was approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002. It is used as a flavor enhancer and sweetener in confectionary foods, gums, lozenges, and beverages in many countries around the world. This study suggests that neotame can impact the integrity of the gut wall by altering healthy cells in the intestinal walls, potentially leading to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and sepsis.
In the study’s in vivo experiments with E. Coli and Enterococcus faecalis, researchers observed pathologic responses in these bacteria after exposure to neotame, including increased biofilm production and a higher ability to cling to the intestinal walls. The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, shows that neotame can weaken the integrity of the gut barrier, causing materials to leak from the gut into the bloodstream. This weakening of the gut barrier can also contribute to heightened stress signaling and increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
While artificial sweeteners like neotame are designed to provide sweetness with fewer calories than natural sugars, concerns about their impact on health remain. Some experts believe that artificial sweeteners can be a useful tool in reducing sugar consumption and managing conditions like obesity and diabetes. However, there is limited understanding of how these ultra-sweet chemicals interact with the body, and more research is needed to fully comprehend their effects on different bodily environments.
Dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick notes that artificial sweeteners like neotame may outperform sugar in terms of blood sugar control and weight loss in some cases. However, she cautions that consuming excessive amounts of sugar, whether natural or artificial, can lead to health issues like weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Kirkpatrick emphasizes the importance of considering the body of evidence when evaluating the safety and potential risks associated with different sweeteners, and highlights the need for more randomized controlled trials in this area.
In conclusion, while artificial sweeteners like neotame have the potential to serve as alternatives to traditional sugars in reducing calorie intake and managing chronic conditions, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on the body. The study from Anglia Ruskin University highlights the importance of considering the risks and benefits of neotame as a sweetener, particularly in relation to gut health and the development of chronic conditions. Individuals are encouraged to be mindful of their overall dietary patterns, including the consumption of artificial sweeteners, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals to make informed choices about their diet and lifestyle.
