Short-term exposure to artificial sweeteners in human volunteers induces elevated blood glucose levels and glucose intolerance. Aspartane, sucralose and saccharine are common food additives that millions of people use in hope of preventing diabetes or controlling blood sugar levels. These zero calorie substances are not absorbed by the body and hence should have no effect on body weight or metabolism. The reality, however, is completely different. Several studies have shown an association between diet soda consumption and the development of obesity and diabetes. For obesity and diabetes develop secondary to a change in metabolism. Our metabolism is controlled by neuro-hormonal signals that regulate body weight and glucose levels. Certain substances irrespective of calorie content may damage this delicate balance favoring elevated insulin levels and fat accumulation.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these observations can help us unravel effective therapies for the obesity and prevent the development of diabetes. Both diseases affect millions of people around the world. One such mechanism is related to gut microbiome. A study published in Nature in 2014 by Eran Elinav shows that artificial sweeteners increase glucose levels in mice. Since these substances are not digested or absorbed into blood the investigators hypothesized that artificial sweeteners affected gut microbes. The change in gut bacteria induced glucose intolerance. To prove their theory, they first fed mice saccharine and showed an elevated glucose levels then  administered antibiotics to the studied mice and the sweetener induced glucose intolerance disappeared. They then transplanted feces from saccharine treated mice into germ free mice and reproduced the same glucose intolerance effect. Furthermore, bacteria from mice not on artificial sweeteners were cultured in growth media to which saccharin was added. These bacteria were then transplanted into the intestines of germ free mice resulting in glucose intolerance.

The cause effect relationship between artificial sweeteners and diabetes development was very strong in this study. How exactly do gut bacteria affect glucose intolerance in humans is still not fully understood. One thing for sure however, millions of people who use Splenda and other similar products to prevent weight gain or control their diabetes are not helping themselves. Furthermore, hundreds of other artificial substances added to processed food may be working exactly the same way as saccharine and aspartane and driving the obesity numbers to epidemic levels. Finally, the low sugar “diet” products that flood the market are not exactly the best healthy alternative for you. Sugar free Jello and crystal light may be as deleterious as white sugar. Be careful for even zero calorie items can hurt you and whatever you pick from a tree or pluck from the ground is still the best food for your health!