Highlights in this article:

Consumption of artificial sweeteners has increased in recent years, as they are used as calorie-free sugar substitutes in many food products. While generally regarded as safe, concerns have been raised about the long-term safety of certain sweeteners. Dr. Vousden’s research group has found that high doses of the dietary sweetener sucralose can have immunomodulatory effects by limiting T cell proliferation and differentiation in mice. The study also suggests that the impact of sucralose on T cells could potentially be used in therapy to mitigate T cell-dependent autoimmune disorders. These findings highlight the need for further research into the long-term effects of artificial sweetener consumption on human health.

Background:

Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener that has been used as a sugar substitute in many food products since the 1990s. It is popular because it does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for people with diabetes or those trying to reduce their sugar intake. Sucralose is made by chemically modifying sucrose (table sugar) to replace some of its hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. This modification makes sucralose much sweeter than sucrose, with about 600 times the sweetness. Because the body does not recognize sucralose as a sugar, it is not metabolized and is excreted in the urine unchanged.

The use of artificial sweeteners has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people seek to reduce their sugar intake and control their weight. While artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe, concerns have been raised about their long-term effects on health. Artificial sweeteners are synthetic substances that mimic the taste of sugar but have little or no caloric value. They are commonly used in a variety of foods and beverages, including diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and low-calorie desserts. Some of the most common artificial sweeteners include aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.

We will explore the relationship between sweeteners and diseases.Studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners may be linked to a number of diseases and health problems, including:

Obesity: While artificial sweeteners contain few or no calories, some research suggests that they may actually contribute to weight gain. One theory is that they may disrupt the body’s natural ability to regulate calorie intake, leading to overeating.

Type 2 diabetes: Some studies have found a correlation between the use of artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The exact mechanism behind this relationship is not yet fully understood, but it may be related to changes in gut bacteria or insulin sensitivity.

Cardiovascular disease: Research has suggested that regular consumption of artificial sweeteners may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. This may be due to changes in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, or inflammation.

Cancer: While there is no conclusive evidence that artificial sweeteners cause cancer in humans, some studies have suggested a possible link between their use and certain types of cancer, such as bladder cancer.

It is important to note that the evidence linking artificial sweeteners to these diseases is not yet conclusive, and further research is needed to fully understand their effects on health. Additionally, it is worth noting that the risks associated with artificial sweeteners may vary depending on the type of sweetener and the amount consumed.

If you are concerned about the potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners, there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure. For example, you can try using natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead of artificial sweeteners. You can also try to reduce your overall sugar intake by cutting back on sweetened foods and beverages and focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Discovery:

Dr. Vousden’s research group showed that high doses of sucralose can limit T cell proliferation and differentiation in mice, which can have negative effects on the immune system. T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response, including the ability to fight infections and cancer. The research suggests that sucralose may affect the membrane order of T cells, leading to reduced T cell receptor signaling and intracellular calcium mobilization. Mice given sucralose had decreased CD8+ T cell antigen-specific responses in subcutaneous cancer models and bacterial infection models, as well as reduced T cell function in models of T cell-mediated autoimmunity. These findings suggest that high doses of sucralose can dampen T cell-mediated responses, which could be used in therapy to mitigate T cell-dependent autoimmune disorders.

While studies in humans are limited, some studies have suggested a potential link between sucralose consumption and negative effects on the gut microbiome, including changes in bacterial composition and reduced microbial diversity. However, the long-term effects of sucralose consumption on the gut microbiome and overall health are still not well understood and require further investigation. In conclusion, while sucralose is a popular artificial sweetener that can be a suitable sugar substitute for people with diabetes or those trying to reduce their sugar intake, it may have negative effects on the immune system at high doses. More research is needed to fully understand the potential long-term health effects of sucralose consumption.

For more information:

Nature 2023 3/15

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05801-6