A recent study has shed light on concerning health implications linked to the consumption of neotame, a widely used sweetener found in cakes, soft drinks, and chewing gum. According to the findings, even minimal ingestion of neotame can result in adverse effects on gut health, potentially leading to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, insulin resistance, and sepsis, the latter of which claims around 40,000 lives annually in Britain.
Researchers, led by Dr. Havovi Chichger, Senior Author of the study and Associate Professor at Anglia Ruskin University, along with co-author Dr. Aparna Shil from Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, have raised alarms about the detrimental impact of neotame on intestinal health. Neotame, developed in 2002 as a substitute for aspartame, has gained widespread usage in recent years, often listed as E961 in product ingredients.
The study, published in the medical journal Frontiers in Nutrition, marks the first comprehensive examination of neotame’s potential to disrupt healthy gut bacteria, leading to intestinal damage. Dr. Chichger emphasized the significance of their findings, noting that while sweeteners are often promoted as healthier alternatives to sugar, certain varieties pose significant risks to consumers’ well-being.
The research builds upon prior studies, including investigations into the harmful effects of other common sweeteners such as saccharin, sucralose, and aspartame, which have been linked to similar adverse impacts on gut health.
Dr. Chichger highlighted the urgency for further exploration into the toxic effects of newer artificial sweeteners, given their increasing prevalence in food products. With some of these sweeteners boasting a sweetness level 1,000 times greater than sugar, even minimal consumption could potentially lead to health complications.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) previously deemed neotame as “safe for use” in 2010, leading to its approval in over 35 countries. However, Dr. Chichger noted that ongoing evidence-based risk assessments by EFSA may prompt a reassessment of certain sweeteners, including neotame, in light of emerging research findings.
In conclusion, the study underscores the need for heightened awareness regarding the potential health risks associated with neotame and other artificial sweeteners, urging further investigation and regulatory scrutiny to safeguard public health.
