8 | Journal Club: Artificial Sweetener

The YANSS (erm Young & Not So Stupid) gals are back at it again with another episode, this time on artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are widely popular, and are often advertised as a diet alternative to sugary foods. We all love a 'guilt-free' sweet snack, but maybe reconsider grabbing that diet soda or sugar-free pudding.

Virginia presents Mullee et al. 2019, which determines that consuming artificial sweeteners is associated with mortality, specifically circulatory diseases (think heart disease). While we know correlation does not equal causation, it does make you think how artificial sweeteners could potentially affect your health.

Frances discusses Suez et al, 2014, which showcases how your microbiome mediates your response to artificial sweeteners. When you consume that diet soda, your microbiome can potentially change (form and function!), potentially microbes associated with inflammation and diabetes.

Hope you enjoy the episode!

Sources

Virginia -

Association Between Soft Drink Consumption and Mortality in 10 European Countries

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2749350

Frances -

Artificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota Suez et al. 2014 https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13793