Sweeteners May Alter Gut Bacteria | Health and Fitness News

Health News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 17, 2026 · 1m

New lab research reveals that common sweeteners may not be harmless bystanders—they can disrupt gut bacteria crucial for digestion and immunity. When paired with antidepressants like duloxetine, certain sweeteners like isosteviol sharply slow bacterial growth and reduce microbial diversity, hinting at complex, real-world interactions we’re only beginning to understand. While human studies are pending, the findings challenge the assumption that sweeteners are inert and warn that their effects could be amplified by other substances in our diets or meds. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a…