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Synthetic Sweeteners and Human Health: An Overview of Health Risks, Vulnerable Populations, and Effects on Key
Stanislava Ivanova1,2,3, Stanislav Dyankov1,2,3, Vanya Nalbantova1,2
1Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Artificial sweeteners, while popular sugar substitutes, may impact hormonal responses and gut microbiota. More research is needed to confirm their effects on vulnerable populations and overall health.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Synthetic sweeteners are widely used sugar substitutes in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
- Consumption has increased due to perceived benefits for weight management and glycemic control.
- Concerns exist regarding their metabolic, gut microbiota, and neurological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulation of artificial sweeteners.
- To examine their impact on vulnerable populations.
- To assess health concerns including metabolic, gut microbiota, and neurological effects.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
- Identification of studies on synthetic sweeteners and human health.
Main Results:
- Artificial sweeteners may influence hormonal responses, glucose homeostasis, and insulin secretion.
- Potential effects on gut microbiota composition and glucose metabolism are noted.
- Evidence on impacts on vulnerable populations, gut microbiota, and neurological behavior remains limited and inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Continuous human trials are essential to ensure safety.
- Post-market surveillance and regulatory evaluations are crucial.
- Further research is needed to confirm the long-term health effects of sugar substitutes.
Keywords:
acesulfameadvantameartificial sweetenersaspartamecyclamateneotamepublic healthsaccharinsucralosesugarMore Related Videos
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