Tate & Lyle and Cryptobiotix uncover potential microbiome health benefits of sweeteners

07 Feb 2024 --- The results of a recent ex-vivo study showing that some low- and no-calorie sweeteners may have unique and beneficial health effects on the microbiota are being touted by Tate & Lyle and the functional food nutrition contract research organization Cryptobiotix. According to the two companies, the research marks a significant advancement in understanding the relationship between sweeteners and gut health.

The research focused on healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes, utilizing samples from co-living adults to minimize variation introduced by differences in long-term diet and environment.

“In this study, the low- and no-calorie sweeteners we have assessed are shown to have either no impact on the gut microbiota or to offer potential health benefits beyond their established sugar and calorie reduction benefits,” says Dr. Davide Risso, a molecular biology specialist and the head of nutrition research at Tate & Lyle. “Human clinical trials will be required to confirm the potential health benefits.”

No negative impacts
Published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, the study utilized Cryptobiotix’s SIFR (systemic intestinal fermentation research) technology to simulate the gut environment outside of the human body. This approach allows researchers to closely examine the effects of sweeteners on gut microbiota composition in real time.

The sweeteners tested include acesulfame potassium (aceK), maltitol, sorbitol, stevia, sucralose and tagatose. According to the companies, contrary to previous beliefs, most sweeteners, including the commonly used sweetener sucralose, had no discernible impact on the microbial composition of the gut.

According to the companies, this discovery challenges existing assumptions and research on the effects of sucralose on gut health. This may help alleviate consumer misgivings, as several sweeteners have come under fire in the last year. 

This includes a ruling on aspartame by the WHO that reconfirmed the sweeteners’ safety, but still left some consumers feeling confused and a study that linked sweeteners to poor health in some children.

Positive modulations of the microbiome
Stevia, another widely used sweetener, demonstrated beneficial effects on gut microbiota. 

Stevia was found to be easily fermented and led to an increase in the density of certain health-supporting bacteria, accompanied by the production of short-chain fatty acids.

Stevia was found to have positive effects on gut microbiota (Image Credit: Tate & Lyle).

“This study provides much-needed evidence to consider the potential benefits of sweeteners individually, rather than as a uniform whole,” Dr. Pieter Van den Abbeele, Cryptobiotix’s chief scientific officer, underscores. “The robustness and validation work that went into the SIFR technology used, allowed us to pinpoint specific health-promoting pathways in relation to specific low- and no-calorie sweeteners.”

Providing clarity
The companies reinforce that the findings of this study contribute to a growing body of scientific evidence highlighting the potential health benefits of low- and no-calorie sweeteners when incorporated into a balanced diet.

Tate & Lyle stresses the need for research in this area. Moreover, it says the company is conducting research and planning future studies.  

As part of the company’s ongoing investigations, assessments of additional low- and no-calorie sweeteners, including allulose and erythritol, are currently underway. The results of these studies will help understand how sweeteners affect gut health.

Furthermore, the company states that by leveraging innovative technology, such as Cryptobiotix’s SIFR, along with rigorous scientific methodology, this study and future studies can provide valuable insights that can inform dietary recommendations and improve overall health outcomes.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols