Do Artificial Sweeteners Actually Cause Diabetes? By now youve probably seen the articles floating around about a study published in Nature that links artificial sweeteners to diabetes and possibly obesity. The mechanism, they conclude, is the impact of artificial sweeteners on the human microbiome, or gut bacteria. The research is fascinating and certainly begs additional research in this area--but as usual--the media and fear mongers are over hyping what the study actually found. To begin, the human component of the study only involved 7 people. With a sample size that small, it is not possible to draw any concrete conclusions. Of the 7, only 4 experienced reduced insulin sensitivity. We should also note that the study focused on saccharin, and when aspartame was tested, it did not show the glucose intolerance effect that saccharin did. So saying artificial sweeteners may cause diabetes is misleading, since only saccharin actually had an effect. Additionally, the subjects were given the maximal safe dose of saccharin for 6 consecutive days. That is a VERY high intake and not indicative of typical consumption levels. So the study illuminates a possible role our microbiome plays in diabetes, and that certain components of diet might affect it, but far more research is needed. Assuming the study can be replicated with the same results, one question to ask is how dose affects glucose intolerance, and whether the effects are long term or transient. A second question is what other foods/substances can have this effect. The second question is completely ignored by the fear mongers. In an effort to promote their agenda, they focus on artificial sweeteners--even though it was only saccharin--and dismiss that naturally occurring chemicals could have the same effect. If what we eat alters the microbiome in a way that promotes diabetes, it is just as likely that naturally occurring chemicals in our diet could have the same effect as saccharin. It will be very interesting to see where this research leads as science begins to uncover more and more about the microbiome. For now, the standard advice with regard to artificial sweeteners still applies. Most people will want to limit intake since they are usually found in highly processed food that is less nutritious. If youre trying to control weight, it takes more than a sugar substitute. As for diabetes risk, you are better off maintaining a healthy weight, lifting weights, and eating a nutritious diet than worrying about artificial sweeteners. #artificialsweeteners #saccharin #diabetes
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:18:44 +0000
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