Cambridge study shows common artificial sweeteners disrupt gut microbiota

Researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit examined 39 commercially used artificial sweeteners against 25 gut bacterial species in laboratory cultures. About three‑quarters of the sweeteners altered the growth of at least one bacterial strain, indicating they are not inert to the intestinal microbiome.

The team also tested interactions between sweeteners and other common substances, including eight drugs. Over 100 interaction cases were identified; 34 amplified the negative impact on bacteria, while 68 mitigated it. The most pronounced effect was observed when the sweetener isosteviol was combined with the antidepressant duloxetine, which significantly reduced the beneficial bacteria Roseburia intestinalis and Parabacteroides merdae. The findings were published in *Molecular Systems Biology* and suggest that consumption of sweeteners, especially in combination with certain medications, may affect gut health.

The study received coverage in multiple news outlets, highlighting potential implications for food‑sugar alternatives and prompting calls for further research on human health effects.