Artificial Sweeteners Can Devastate Microorganisms

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment has shown that sucralose, an artificial sweetener, can harm the microorganisms in aquatic food webs.

Marine biologist Tracey Schafer from the University of Florida explained that neither the human body nor many microorganisms can break down sucralose. “So the question is, how does sucralose affect the environment and microorganisms?” The research team collected samples of cyanobacteria and diatoms from both freshwater and brackish water in Marineland, Florida, and exposed them to various levels of sucralose in the laboratory.

Artificial sweeteners are potentially harmful to the microorganisms of the aquatic food. (Photo: PRiMEWOMEN)

The samples of cyanobacteria and diatoms were tested over a period of 5 days, showing that the artificial sweetener clearly had an impact on these microorganisms. The results showed that in freshwater, cyanobacteria increased, while in brackish water, they spiked and then declined sharply. Diatoms also decreased in number in both environments. Researchers found the effects of sucralose to be more pronounced in freshwater experiments. Chemist Amelia Westmoreland (University of Florida) said: it is possible that sucralose is mistaken for nutrients by microorganisms, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Although this study did not delve into the potential long-term impacts, it is certain that the balance of natural ecosystems can be disrupted by sucralose, depending on the amount produced during wastewater treatment and released into the environment.

In addition, the decline of diatoms can severely impact the ocean’s food web as they are a major source of oxygen production and play an important role in the carbon dioxide regulation cycle. As for cyanobacteria, they can “overwhelm” other microorganisms in their community.

Although the artificial sweetener sucralose is allowed to be used in certain doses according to food and beverage standards, some studies have shown that they have negative effects on the gut microbiota, increasing harmful bacteria in the gut and even affecting DNA inside body cells.

Scientists hope that this study is a bright spot in the early stages of understanding the impact of sucralose on the environment and will encourage more research.

Source: ScienceAlert