Research on the microbiome over the past two decades has revealed that the human intestine is home to a unique and intricate ecological system. Insights gained from animal studies may not be entirely applicable to humans, as human experiments are harder to control, and in-vitro systems cannot capture the full complexity of the human digestive system and its microbiota. Some studies have specifically explored the relationship between sweeteners and the microbiome.

Minimal Consumption of Sweeteners

Sweeteners constitute only a small portion of our overall diet, which limits their potential impact on the microbiome. Research indicates that sweeteners do not significantly affect microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids in stool samples, or results from oral glucose tolerance tests (oGTT), both in human subjects and animal models.

Important Considerations About Sweetener Metabolism

It’s important to note that the colon is not always the final stage of digestion. For instance, aspartame is broken down into its components and absorbed in the small intestine. Similarly, saccharin and acesulfame K are also reabsorbed in the small intestine and subsequently excreted unchanged in urine.