Universidad de Chile study links sweeteners to intergenerational health changes

Researchers at the Universidad de Chile have discovered that common sugar substitutes, specifically sucralose and stevia, may cause biological changes that persist across generations. The study, published in ‘Frontiers in Nutrition’, investigated why rising consumption of these low-calorie sweeteners has not led to a decrease in obesity or metabolic disorders like insulin resistance.

In an experiment using mice, researchers administered doses of sucralose and stevia equivalent to human consumption. They then observed two subsequent generations of offspring. Notably, these offspring were given only pure water throughout their lives, yet they still exhibited physiological changes inherited from their ancestors.

The study observed significant alterations in gut microbiome composition, glucose tolerance, and levels of short-chain fatty acids. Additionally, researchers noted changes in the activity of specific genes related to inflammation, metabolism, and intestinal barrier function. The intensity and nature of these effects varied depending on the type of sweetener, the generation, and the sex of the animals.