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Study Links Artificial Sweeteners to Gut Changes, Higher Cardiometabolic Risk

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tufts University researchers analyzed 21 randomized clinical trials on long-term effects of non-nutritive sweeteners.
They found that some low-calorie sweeteners altered gut microbiota composition and function.
The analysis linked non-nutritive sweetener consumption to higher risk of cardiometabolic disease and reduced insulin sensitivity.
Researchers Meng Wang and Dariush Mozaffarian said the study isolated sweetener effects using water and placebo comparators and advised avoiding non-nutritive sweeteners when possible.

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Story summary

Tufts University researchers analyzed 21 randomized clinical trials on long-term effects of non-nutritive sweeteners.
They found that some low-calorie sweeteners altered gut microbiota composition and function.
The analysis linked non-nutritive sweetener consumption to higher risk of cardiometabolic disease and reduced insulin sensitivity.
Researchers Meng Wang and Dariush Mozaffarian said the study isolated sweetener effects using water and placebo comparators and advised avoiding non-nutritive sweeteners when possible.