Low Calorie Sweeteners and the Microbiome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The launch of the Human Microbiome Project by the National Institutes of Health in 2007 dramatically increased interest in the human gut microbiota, also called the microbiome. Consumers, health professionals and scientists want to know more about the relationship of the microbiome to our health and how foods and beverages we consume may have an influence. And over the last five years, the potential impact of low and no calorie sweeteners (LNCS) on the microbiome has been a subject of debate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Safety has been well-documented over decades for acesulfame K, aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and steviol glycosides, indicating that these low or no-calorie sweeteners as a group, or individually, do not pose any safety concerns at their currently approved levels. Therefore, nutrition and health professionals can feel confident in recommending LNCS to patients, clients and consumers as an option for sweetening foods and beverages without the addition of sugar or calories. — Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Microbiota<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The human microbiome is composed of trillions of microorganisms\nwith the majority located in the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiome is\ncreated at birth, rapidly develops over the first three years and continues to change\nand adapt throughout our lives. Over 1,000 species of microorganisms have been identified\nin the microbiome, but about 160 are present in the gut of any one individual. The\nmicrobiota plays a key role in human digestion and metabolism by contributing enzymes\nnot produced by the body to help break down polysaccharides and polyphenols and\nsynthesize vitamins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What the Science Says<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This webinar presented by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Webinar explores what we know now about measuring bacterial growth in the microbiome and the effect of specific ingredients using two new publications, particularly low-calorie sweeteners, on gut bacteria. Access webinar.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n