Research has indicated that artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes, commonly employed to enhance the sweetness of foods without adding extra calories, can impact both gut and heart health.

The Washington Post report underscores that while many individuals reduce sugar intake for health reasons, food manufacturers have turned to alternative sweeteners like sucralose, stevia, allulose, and Erythritol, among others.

Termed high-intensity sweeteners due to their potency, these sugar substitutes are promoted by food manufacturers as aids in weight control and reducing added sugar intake. However, studies suggest potential adverse effects on the digestive system and metabolic health, including the promotion of food cravings and insulin resistance—a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Research conducted by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel revealed that sugar substitutes induced alterations in the function of gut-dwelling bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These microorganisms in the gut play vital roles, such as converting ingested food into enzymes, hormones, and vitamins.

Additional studies propose a correlation between increased consumption of low-calorie sweeteners and higher rates of obesity and overweight. A study in the British Medical Journal associated elevated intake of artificial sweeteners with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems like strokes and coronary heart disease. Furthermore, a study in the journal Nature Medicine linked the sugar substitute erythritol to heightened rates of heart attacks and strokes.