New generation of artificial sweetener found in carbonated drinks, chewing gum and ice cream ‘may damage the intestine’

A common artificial sweetener found in carbonated drinks, chewing gum and ice cream can damage the intestines, research has shown.

Tests have shown that neotame, one of the new generation of artificial sweeteners, has the potential to cause irritable bowel syndrome or even sepsis.

Experts say this adds to growing evidence that consuming high amounts of such ingredients – typically found in ‘diet’ and ‘sugar-free’ foods and drinks – can cause serious health problems.

Sweeteners are sugar substitutes that imitate the taste of sugar while having a negligible effect on energy intake.

As such, its use has skyrocketed as a ‘healthier’ and less caloric way to consume sweet treats.

Sweeteners (pictured) are sugar substitutes that imitate the taste of sugar while having a negligible effect on energy intake

But recent studies have suggested that sucralose and aspartame are not without their own risks.

Neotame is a relatively new sweetener on the global market with limited data on its effects on intestinal health.

But now research from Anglia Ruskin University has shown that it is the potential cause of ‘good bacteria’ becoming ill.

Tests on cells have also shown that it is also able to breach the barrier that is part of the intestinal wall, putting people at risk of serious health problems.

Ultimately, these changes can lead to metabolic and inflammatory diseases such as irritable bowel disease, sepsis or insulin resistance, often a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Havovi Chichger, senior author of the study, said: ‘There is now growing awareness of the health effects of sweeteners such as saccharin, sucralose and aspartame, with our own previous work showing the problems they can cause to the gut lining and the damage to the ‘good bacteria’ that form in our intestines.

‘This can lead to a range of potential health problems including diarrhoea, intestinal inflammation and even infections such as blood poisoning if the bacteria enter the bloodstream.

‘It is therefore important to also investigate sweeteners that have been introduced more recently.

‘And our new research shows that neotame causes similar problems, including making gut bacteria sick.’

Researchers, published in the journal Frontiers of Nutrition, say it is crucial that more studies are carried out.

Dr. Chichger added: ‘Understanding the impact of these pathogenic changes in the gut microbiota is critical.

‘Our findings also demonstrate the need to better understand common food additives and the molecular mechanisms underlying potential negative health effects.’