Study: Splenda kills beneficial bacteria in GI tract

Seth Roberts – Splenda Reduces Gut Bacteria in Rats:

This 2008 study done at Duke University found that small amounts of Splenda — similar to what a person might consume — reduced “beneficial bacteria” in the guts of rats. The effect was very large (reduction by about 50% in 12 weeks) and occurred even at the lowest dose, which was lower than what the FDA allows. Most ominous of all, the effect had not levelled off after 12 weeks. The number of bacteria was still going down.

He further notes some possible links to things like Parkinson’s disease. Nothing conclusive at this point, but kind of worrying. The reduction in beneficial GI flora alone is disturbing enough.

Things like this make me consider quitting artificial sweeteners altogether. The tradeoff is that artificial sweeteners have fewer calories than sugar, but since I haven’t lost weight drinking diet soda I’m not sure there’s anything to lose by giving it up.

Another interesting link from Seth: Acid Reflux is Immune Problem, Says Rat Study