WeeklySA_AdminALTERNATIVE: Researchers are investigating whether popular low-calorie sweeteners alter the body’s glucose regulation and gut bacteria in ways that could increase the risk of diabetes…
By Own Correspondent
Millions of people consume artificial sweeteners every day, believing they are a healthier alternative to sugar.
However, a major Australian study is now investigating whether these sugar substitutes may affect the body’s metabolism in ways that could increase the risk of diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are examining how five of the world’s most widely used low-calorie sweeteners influence glucose regulation and other biological processes linked to diabetes.
The study will assess aspartame, stevia, sucralose, saccharin and acesulfame potassium, analysing how they interact with organs responsible for blood sugar regulation, including the intestine, pancreas and kidneys. Researchers will also investigate their effects on the gut microbiome.
Associate Professor Tongzhi Wu said the research aims to determine whether different sweeteners influence blood glucose control through mechanisms unrelated to calorie intake.
“Many people trying to manage their weight or blood sugar choose low-calorie sweeteners because they believe they are healthier than sugar,” Wu said.
“While these products were designed to replace sugar without adding calories, growing evidence suggests they may not be as metabolically neutral as once believed.”
Researchers hope to determine whether the sweeteners affect glucose absorption and excretion, alter gut bacteria and whether these changes could contribute to diabetes risk.
“We are particularly interested in whether some sweeteners are safer than others and how they may influence blood glucose control,” Wu said.
Diabetes is the world’s fastest-growing chronic disease, affecting more than 462 million people globally. In Australia alone, almost 1.2 million people are living with the condition.
The sweeteners being studied are commonly sold under well-known brands including NutraSweet (aspartame), Natvia (stevia), Splenda (sucralose), Sugarine (saccharin) and Equal (acesulfame potassium).
The global artificial sweetener market is currently valued at US$4.31 billion and is projected to reach US$6.19 billion by 2034.
Co-investigator Professor Chris Rayner said excess body weight remains one of the leading risk factors for type 2 diabetes, making it essential to understand the long-term effects of sugar substitutes.
“People often view sweeteners as a simple replacement for sugar, but the science is far more complex,” Rayner said.
“Although these products can reduce sugar consumption, we still do not fully understand how they affect the body’s metabolism over time.”
He said comparing the metabolic effects of the most widely used sweeteners could help identify which products are safer and provide evidence to inform future dietary guidelines.
The study is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Researchers hope the findings will help shape future nutrition recommendations and enable consumers to make better-informed choices about sugar substitutes. – Newswise
