Research shows that widespread use of sugar substitutes can cause chronic inflammation in the gut, according to an August 16 2024 report in Medscape.
While other sugar substitutes show no signs of negative effects, saccharin (Sweet’N-Low) and sucralose (Splenda) contributed to intestinal dysbiosis and poor glycemic control with healthy participants, said the report. Humans were shown to have significantly increased expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer.
So what are the healthier options? Erythritol extracted from fruits and Glycyrrhizin from licorice root have long been used as a healthy option in Japan and Asia, respectively.