# Sugar intake and gut microbiome during antibiotic use > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sugar-intake-and-gut-microbiome-during-antibiotic-use > Updated: 2026-10-05T05:53:39.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Research published in the journal ‘Nature’ indicates that high sugar consumption during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment may exacerbate damage to the gut microbiome. Studies involving hospitalized blood cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants found that increased intake of sugary foods is associated with a significant reduction in bacterial diversity. Specifically, data suggests that for every additional 100 grams of sweet foods consumed during treatment, there is an approximately 24% decrease in gut bacterial diversity. This imbalance can lead to the proliferation of certain microbes, such as Enterococcus faecium, which is linked to serious complications like bloodstream infections in vulnerable populations. While researchers noted it is too early to recommend a universal ban on sugar for all antibiotic users, they suggested that limiting sugar intake during treatment could be a pragmatic method to help maintain microbial balance. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: High sugar intake reduces gut bacterial diversity during antibiotic use A study in Nature reveals that consuming high amounts of sugar during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment can reduce gut bacterial diversity by approximately 24% in hospitalized cancer patients. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/high-sugar-intake-reduces-gut-bacterial-diversity-during-antibiotic-use ### 2026-10-02: Sugar consumption may worsen antibiotic damage to gut microbiome A study in ‘Nature’ finds that consuming sugary foods during antibiotic treatment can worsen gut microbiome damage, reducing bacterial diversity and increasing harmful microbes like Enterococcus faecium. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sugar-consumption-linked-to-reduced-gut-bacteria-during-antibiotic-use --- Cite as: Sugar intake and gut microbiome during antibiotic use. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sugar-intake-and-gut-microbiome-during-antibiotic-use