Sweeteners may disrupt gut bacteria, especially when combined with antidepressants

• About 75% of processed foods contain a commercially used sweetener, including artificial and natural sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
• Past studies have linked consumption of artificial sweeteners to several potential health issues, including disruption of the gut microbiome.
• A new study found that certain commercially used sweeteners slow or halt the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, either on their own or when combined with certain compounds and medications.

Researchers estimate that about 75% of all processed foods include a commercially used sweetener, which includes artificial and natural sweeteners, as well as sugar alcohols.

Past studies have linked consuming artificial sweeteners to several potential health issues, including a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cognitive decline, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.

Previous research has also shown a potential negative impact of consuming artificial sweeteners on the gut microbiome.

Now, a new study published in the journal Molecular Systems Biology reports that certain commercially used sweeteners — including artificial sweeteners — slow or stop the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, either on their own or through enhanced effects when combined with certain compounds and drugs.