Sugar substitutes may cut calories, but no health benefits for individuals with obesity: York U

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-05/yu-ssm052416.php

Public Release: 24-May-2016
Sugar substitutes may cut calories, but no health benefits for individuals with obesity: York U
The study suggests that the bacteria in the gut may be able to break down artificial sweeteners, resulting in negative health effects
York University

Artificial sweeteners help individuals with obesity to cut calories and lose weight but may have negative health effects, according to researchers at York University's Faculty of Health.

"Our study shows that individuals with obesity who consume artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, may have worse glucose management than those who don't take sugar substitutes," says Professor Jennifer Kuk, obesity researcher in the School of Kinesiology and Health Science.

Normally, weight loss is associated with several improvements in health. Artificial sweeteners are often used to help individuals cut calories and manage their weight as they are not digested by the body. However, the recent study suggests that the bacteria in the gut may be able to break down artificial sweeteners, resulting in negative health effects.

"We didn't find this adverse effect in those consuming saccharin or natural sugars," says Kuk. "We will need to do future studies to determine whether any potentially negative health effects of artificial sweeteners outweigh the benefits for obesity reduction."

•••••