---
title: "Commercial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria and may interact with medications"
id: "medical-news-today-0-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-when-combined-with"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-when-combined-with"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "General"
source_name: "Medical News Today"
source_url: "https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/artificial-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-combined-antidepressants/"
published_at: "2026-07-24T15:00:39.000Z"
evidence_level: "Verified Feed"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# Commercial sweeteners can alter gut bacteria and may interact with medications
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medical-news-today-0-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-when-combined-with
- **Specialty:** [General](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/general.md)
- **Primary Source:** Medical News Today
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/artificial-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-combined-antidepressants/)
- **Published At:** 2026-07-24T15:00:39.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Verified Feed
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- A laboratory study tested 39 commercially used sweeteners, including artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, and sugar alcohols, against 25 gut bacterial species to assess effects on bacterial growth. - About **75% of the sweeteners** changed the growth of at least one bacterial species in vitro, with some slowing or stopping growth of beneficial gut microbes. - The study used an in vitro bacterial culture model; authors and outside clinicians note these results do not directly establish effects in humans and call for animal and human studies. - Researchers also tested sweeteners combined with common food compounds (for example, caffeine and vanillin) and eight commonly used drugs, finding more than 100 mixture interactions. - A notable interaction was between the stevia derivative **isosteviol** and the antidepressant **duloxetine**, which together suppressed two bacterial species important for gut health. - Investigators emphasize that mixture effects between sweeteners and medications deserve further clinical investigation; the observed interactions may or may not be harmful. - External experts described the study as one of the most comprehensive in vitro assessments of sweeteners and the microbiome, but reiterated the need for animal or human trials before changing recommendations. - Practical, source-reported advice for reducing sweetener intake includes gradual reduction in beverages and coffee/tea, substituting infused water or sparkling water, and label-reading to identify sources of sweeteners. - The researchers estimated roughly 75% of processed foods contain a commercially used sweetener, underscoring the relevance of studying sweetener–microbiome interactions.
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coffee after adding an artificial sweteener](https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/getty_1329654319_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg)[Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fartificial-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-combined-antidepressants&media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2026%2F07%2Fgetty_1329654319_header_1296x728-1024x575.jpg&description=39%20popular%20sweeteners%20can%20alter%20key%20gut%20bacteria%2C%20lab%20study%20finds "Share on Pinterest")A new study shows how everyday sweeteners and common drugs may combine to disrupt gut bacteria. Tang Ming Tung · DigitalVision/ Getty Images * **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](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3490437/) include a commercially used sweetener, which includes artificial and natural sweeteners, as well as [sugar alcohols](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320901). Past studies have linked consuming artificial sweeteners to several potential health issues, including a higher risk of [heart disease](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9449855/), [stroke](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12227632/), [type 2 diabetes](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S126236362500059X?via%3Dihub), [metabolic syndrome](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10445552/), [cognitive decline](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40902134/), [chronic kidney disease](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2815563#xd_co_f=MGJhMWI1NGItYzUyZS00NTg4LTkwNjAtNjdiOGRmZDVjYzNk~), and [cancer](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8946744/). Previous research has also shown a potential negative impact of consuming artificial sweeteners on the [gut microbiome](https://www.cell.com/trends/microbiology/fulltext/S0966-842X\(26\)00010-7). Now, a new study published in the journal [Molecular Systems Biology](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s44320-026-00225-6) 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. ## Testing 39 sweeteners on 25 types of gut bacteria For this study, researchers used an in vitro model in which 25 different gut bacterial species were grown in a lab. These bacterial species included those that are helpful to the gut, those that are harmful, and those that stay neutral. Each bacterial species was then exposed to 39 common, commercially used sweeteners. The sweeteners included: * Artificial sweeteners such as [aspartame](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322266) (Equal/NutraSweet), [saccharin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-saccharin-bad-for-you) (Sweet’N Low), and [sucralose](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262475) (Splenda) * Natural sweeteners such as [mogroside V](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322769) (monk fruit), [stevioside](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319837) (Stevia), and [sucrose](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/196024) (common table sugar) * Sugar alcohols like sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol (Truvia), and xylitol “Sweeteners are widely used as sugar substitutes in various food and beverages,” [Kiran Raosaheb Patil, PhD](https://www.mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk/staff/kiran-patil), professor of molecular systems biology in the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge, and co-lead author of this study, explained to _Medical News Today_. “[Previous studies](https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13793) and [World Health Organization (WHO) guidance](https://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2023-who-advises-not-to-use-non-sugar-sweeteners-for-weight-control-in-newly-released-guideline) have shown links between sweeteners and health parameters. It is therefore important to investigate molecular mechanisms through which the sweeteners may be affecting physiological processes. Such molecular insights can guide better-informed decisions for sweetener usage.” ## 75% of commercially used sweeteners change gut bacteria At the study’s conclusion, researchers found that of the 39 commercially used sweeteners tested, about 75% altered the growth of at least one gut bacterial species. “We tested sweeteners and related compounds to assess which, if any, can impact gut bacterial growth,” Patil said. “Our laboratory tests show that many sweetener compounds have the potential to alter the growth of certain gut bacteria. While we yet do not know how these results would translate in a human context, our results suggest that future cohort studies should consider the direct effect on growth and metabolism of gut bacteria,” he explained. ### Sweeteners may interact with medications Scientists also tested each sweetener in combination with common food compounds such as [caffeine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285194) and [vanillin](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7790484/) (vanilla extract), as well as eight commonly used drugs to see how those combinations might impact gut bacteria. **Researchers observed more than 100 interactions between the combinations. The most eye-catching, researchers say, was the combination of[isosteviol](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38176378/) — a compound derived from [stevia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287251) —and the antidepressant [duloxetine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/duloxetine-oral-capsule). This combo suppressed two gut bacteria that play important roles in maintaining a healthy digestive system.** “Isosteviol is a sweetener derivative and not a sweetener itself; it was included in the study to broaden the mechanistic scope from a chemical angle,” Patil explained. “Our study included Stevioside and Rebaudioside A, both stevia sweeteners, and Rubusoside, another steviol glycoside found in Chinese sweet tea.” > “Like isosteviol, these compounds showed synergistic interactions with duloxetine. Our data highlights that sweeteners may interact with medications, and such ‘mixture effects’ should be investigated in future clinical studies. These effects may not necessarily be harmful, but for now we simply do not know.” > — Kiran Raosaheb Patil, PhD ## Human trials needed next _MNT_ spoke with [Ashkan Farhadi, MD](https://drashkanfarhadi.com/), a board certified gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, about this study. **Farhadi, who was not involved in this research, commented that this is one of the most comprehensive studies on the effects of sweeteners, including artificial sweeteners, on the gut microbiome.** > “[The study] not only looked into the effects of that directly on the microbiome; it’s looking into the effects on other food ingredients and materials, and their combination of their effects. So it’s very interesting in that respect. And what it does for me is confirm that the reaction of the bacteria and the work they do can be affected by many things we are doing, including artificial sweeteners.” > — Ashkan Farhadi, MD “This study is an in vitro study on bacterial culture, and we need to have similar studies in an animal model or, even better, in humans to see if artificial sweeteners can adversely affect the growth or proliferation of good germs in the human gut, so we have more direct evidence to provide recommendations,” Farhadi added. ## How can I reduce the amount of sweeteners I consume? For readers who may want to start reducing the amount of commercially used sweeteners they consume, _MNT_ asked [Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN](https://eatrightrx.com/about-monique-richard/), a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight — who was likewise not involved in this study — for her top tips. > “Rather than completely eliminating every questionable ingredient ‘cold-turkey,’ I encourage clients to gradually retrain their palate while building their knowledge base. Small, simple changes are often the most beneficial and sustainable long-term.” > — Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN “Often navigating these changes doesn’t require anything fancy or expensive, but is about identifying what you like, what you’re currently consuming — by reading, investigating, and observing daily intake through labels, ingredient lists, and logging — and exploring how that can be modified,” she detailed. Richard said some simple strategies may include: * Choosing water infused with citrus, cucumber, berries, herbs, or sparkling water instead of artificially sweetened beverages. * If using sweeteners in coffee or tea, decrease the amount gradually over several weeks rather than stopping abruptly. * Let naturally sweet foods do more of the work — [berries](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/health-benefits-of-berries), [peaches](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274620), roasted apples, [cinnamon](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266069), vanilla, citrus zest, and spices add flavor without relying on high intensity sweeteners. * Using Mother Nature’s sweeteners, such as [local honey](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/302572), maple syrup, [molasses](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318719), and [date paste](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322548), to sweeten a beverage or recipe can also be an option, and often, a little can go a long way and add a depth of richness and palatability as well as trace minerals and phytochemical content to the food, beverage, or recipe. “One concept I often emphasize with clients is that the goal isn’t simply ‘less sugar,’ or elimination of ‘[ultra-processed foods](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318630),’ but about increasing the plethora of plants that Mother Nature provides,” she explained. “As whole foods begin replacing ultra-processed options, sweetener intake often decreases naturally,” **“It is also not about villainizing or creating a righteous ‘clean eating’ judgment zone for you/your children/family/friends when looking at products,” Richard added. “It is about being informed, the broader dietary pattern and overall quality, adequacy, and enjoyment of fueling our life.”** * [GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/gastrointestinal) * [Nutrition / Diet](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/nutrition-diet) Share this article [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fartificial-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-combined-antidepressants%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop "Share on Facebook") [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?via=mnt&text=39%20popular%20sweeteners%20can%20alter%20key%20gut%20bacteria%2C%20lab%20study%20finds&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fartificial-sweeteners-may-disrupt-gut-bacteria-especially-combined-antidepressants%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dx%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-sharebar-referred-desktop "Share on X") Written by Corrie Pelc on July 24, 2026 — Fact checked by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. ## Was this article helpful? 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