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Tufts Researchers Create Diabetes-Friendly Sugar with Engineered Bacteria

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a method to produce tagatose by using engineered bacteria to convert glucose into tagatose, achieving yields up to 95%.
Tagatose is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and it may benefit people with diabetes due to its minimal effect on blood glucose levels.
The sugar may promote oral health by limiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

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Story summary

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a method to produce tagatose by using engineered bacteria to convert glucose into tagatose, achieving yields up to 95%.
Tagatose is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and it may benefit people with diabetes due to its minimal effect on blood glucose levels.
The sugar may promote oral health by limiting the growth of harmful bacteria.