Common Artificial Sweeteners May Affect Gut Microbiome
常見的人造甜味劑可能會影響腸道微生物群
更新於: 2026年9月1日 上午03:00
For years, artificial sweeteners were considered 'biologically inert,' meaning they passed through the body without affecting our health.
多年來，人工甜味劑被認為是「生物惰性」的，這意味著它們通過人體時不會影響我們的健康。
However, recent scientific research suggests this is far from true.
然而，近期科學研究顯示事實並非如此。
Instead of being neutral, these non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) reach the colon, where they interact with the trillions of bacteria residing in our gut microbiome.
這些非營養性甜味劑(NNS)不僅不是中性的，反而會進入結腸，與腸道微生物組中數以兆計的細菌相互作用。
Studies show that common additives like saccharin, sucralose, and even natural options like stevia can trigger dysbiosis—an imbalance in the microbial community.
研究顯示，常見的添加劑如糖精、蔗糖素，甚至像甜菊糖這樣的天然選擇，都可能引發菌群失調—即微生物群落的不平衡。
This shift often involves a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in potentially harmful strains.
這種轉變通常包含益菌減少以及潛在有害菌株的增加。
This disruption is concerning because the gut microbiome plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and glucose levels.
這種干擾令人擔憂，因為腸道微生物組在調節新陳代謝和血糖水平方面發揮著關鍵作用。
Furthermore, by influencing the gut-brain axis, these substances might affect appetite and food-seeking behavior.
此外，透過影響腸腦軸線，這些物質可能會改變食慾和尋求食物的行為。
While more human-based research is needed, experts suggest that moderation remains the best approach to maintaining a healthy, balanced microbiome in the face of modern dietary additives.
雖然需要更多以人類為對象的研究，但專家建議，在面對現代食品添加劑時，適量攝取仍是維護健康、平衡微生物組的最佳方法。
