Sugar substitutes affect gene activity, scientists have found

Scientists from the University of Chile have discovered that sugar substitutes can cause changes in gene activity that are passed on to offspring. However, this does not involve the direct inheritance of diseases. The results of the study were published in the journal Scientia.

In the experiment, laboratory mice were divided into three groups: one was given regular water, while the other two received water with the addition of sucralose or stevia in doses comparable to human consumption. Observations were conducted over two generations, with the offspring receiving only plain water.

The offspring of mice that were exposed to sugar substitutes showed changes in metabolism. These were not the development of diseases but rather "subtle" biological shifts — changes in glucose regulation and gene activity. Sucralose showed the most pronounced effect: the offspring of males already exhibited reduced glucose tolerance in the first generation, and elevated blood sugar levels in the second.

The scientists also recorded changes in gut microflora. With sucralose consumption, the bacterial balance shifted in a less favorable direction. The effects of stevia turned out to be weaker and, as a rule, disappeared within just one generation.

The researchers suggest that the identified changes are linked to epigenetic mechanisms — processes that do not alter the DNA itself but affect the "switching on" and "switching off" of genes. Such changes can occur as a result of diet.

The authors emphasize that the study was conducted on animals, and it is too early to draw direct conclusions for humans. However, the results point to the need for further research and moderate consumption of sweeteners.