Artificial sweeteners promote dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and may worsen the disease and its symptoms. In a series of 3 studies, scientists mixed a low dose of Splenda into the drinking water of mice (who originated from a genetic line of mice with CD). They increased the dose slightly for the second study and ten times for the third study. When compared to control groups of healthy mice that received plain water, there was an increase in Proteobacteria, E. coli, and intestinal wall immune cell reactivity – all signs of dysbiosis. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
→Takeaway: The lead researcher in the study concluded that Splenda and other artificial sweeteners should be avoided by those with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other digestive diseases, as they can cause inflammation and disease flare-ups. He also suggested in Newsweek that those without these conditions might not need to worry about the potential side effects of Splenda. At Gutbliss, we disagree with this statement and recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners no matter your health status. Recent studies illustrate the detrimental effects of sucralose on the gut microbiome and metabolism.
