Research: Common Sweeteners May Have Intergenerational Metabolic Effects
· ScienceDaily Beslenme
A new laboratory study by the University of Chile suggests that zero-calorie sweeteners like sucralose and stevia can induce effects on gut microbiota and gene expression that may be passed down to subsequent generations.
Sweeteners and Intergenerational Effects Research
A new laboratory study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition points to the metabolic effects of commonly consumed zero-calorie sweeteners. In a study conducted at the University of Chile, researchers observed that the use of sucralose and stevia can alter gut microbiota and gene expression.
Dr. Francisca Concha Celume, lead author of the study and researcher at the University of Chile, commented on the subject:
"We found it intriguing that despite the growing consumption of these additives, the prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance has not declined. This does not mean that sweeteners are responsible for these trends, but it raises the question of whether they influence metabolism in ways we do not yet fully understand."
Experimental Design and Generations Tracked
In the research, a total of 47 male and female mice were randomly divided into 3 groups for examination. One group was given plain water only, while the other two groups received water containing sucralose or stevia at doses equivalent to what humans might consume in a normal diet. The experimental animals were then bred for 2 generations, and these offspring generations were given only plain water.
Dr. Francisca Concha Celume explained the purpose of the experimental model with the following words:
"Animal models allow us to control environmental conditions very precisely and to isolate the effect of a specific factor, such as a dietary compound, while also following several generations within a relatively short time."
Gut Microbiota and Fatty Acid Alteration
Researchers measured glucose tolerance and collected fecal samples in each generation to analyze changes in microbiota composition. The experiment recorded a significant decrease in short-chain fatty acid levels produced by gut bacteria in mice that consumed sweeteners. Experts assessed that sweeteners disrupt the functioning of the gut microbiota, reducing the production of beneficial metabolites, and that this situation could trigger epigenetic processes. The reduction in short-chain fatty acids was notably detected in both subsequent generations that did not consume sweeteners.
Five Genes Examined in Liver and Gut
Scientists examined the activity of a total of 5 genes related to metabolism, inflammation, and gut barrier integrity in the liver and gut. The study specifically determined that sucralose exposure increased gene activity associated with inflammation and suppressed genes related to energy metabolism. These molecular changes were observed to persist in subsequent generations from the original mice that received sweeteners. The data obtained revealed that food additives can create lasting biological signals on gut functions and metabolic gene expression.
Differences Between Sucralose and Stevia
The study reported that the two sweeteners examined yielded different results in mice, and the effects varied across generations. Impaired glucose tolerance was observed only in male offspring from the sucralose group in the first generation, while in the second generation, fasting blood sugar levels were high in males from the sucralose group and females from the stevia group.
Dr. Francisca Concha Celume explained the differences between generations as follows:
"When we compared generations, these effects were generally strongest in the first generation and tended to decrease in the second generation. Overall, the effects linked to sucralose were more consistent and persistent across generations."
Meaning of Observed Biological Changes
During the research process, it was noted that no direct diabetes disease developed in the test animals, only early biological signals emerged.
Dr. Francisca Concha Celume detailed the early biological signals that emerged with the following statements:
"The changes we observed in glucose tolerance and gene expression could be interpreted as early biological signals related to metabolic or inflammatory processes. For example, the animals did not develop diabetes. Instead, what we observed were subtle changes in how the body regulates glucose and in the activity of genes associated with inflammation and metabolic regulation. It is possible that such changes could increase susceptibility to metabolic disturbances under certain conditions, such as a high-fat diet."
Study Limitations and Moderation Warning
Researchers reminded that the obtained results do not prove direct causality and that there is only a correlation between the observed effects. It was stated that the responses in human biology may differ because the experiments were conducted on mice.
Dr. Francisca Concha Celume summarized the study's goal and consumption recommendation with the following words:
"The goal of this research is not to create alarm, but to highlight the need for further investigation. It may be reasonable to consider moderation in the consumption of these additives and to continue studying their long-term biological effects."