Study: Artificial sweetener found in diet soft drinks 'has unexpected effect on immune system'
A study into an artificial sweetener commonly used in hot drinks and found in diet soft drinks has uncovered an "unexpected effect on the immune system", scientists say.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute in London found that consuming a high amount of sucralose lowers activation of T cells - a type of white blood cell - in mice.
While this may initially seem like a worrying thing, the experts are excited by the findings.
If the sweetener is found to have similar effects in humans, it could be used to treat people with autoimmune disorders, including conditions like type 1 diabetes.
Autoimmune diseases are when the body's built-in defence system accidentally attacks the body, instead of protecting it.
Karen Vousden, senior author of the study, said: "If these initial findings hold up in people, they could one day offer a way to limit some of the harmful effects of autoimmune conditions."
The researchers hope that their findings could lead to a new way of using much higher therapeutic doses of sucralose in patients.
Julianna Blagih, an author of the study, said: "We've shown that a commonly used sweetener, sucralose, is not a completely inert molecule and we have uncovered an unexpected effect on the immune system.
"We are keen to explore whether there are other cell types or processes that are similarly affected by this sweetener."
Humans consuming normal or moderately elevated amounts of sucralose would not be exposed to the levels achieved in the study.
The doses tested were within recommended consumption limits, but would be the equivalent of drinking about 30 cups of sweetened coffee in a day, or 10 cans of a diet fizzy drink.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener about 600 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly used in food and drinks. However, its effects on the body are not yet fully understood.
Karis Betts, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "This study begins to explore how high doses of sucralose could potentially be used in new treatment options for patients, but it's still early days.
"The results of this study don't show harmful effects of sucralose for humans so you don't need to think about changing your diet to avoid it."
The findings were published in the Nature journal.
Source: news.sky.com
Trending News
Surrender Ghana to the Lord – Alan to Akufo-Addo gov't
13:42Supreme Court declares as unconstitutional parliament’s approval of salaries, allowances for first lady, veep's wife
14:33Economist adopts 13 constituencies to bolster NDC's chances in 2024
13:29Galamsey: Five Burkina Faso nationals caged 20 years each for mining
09:31'It's disrespectful!' – Asogli State tackles gov't's 'no-consultation' move to rename Ho Tech. Uni. after Ephraim Amu
13:23Lands Minister gives FGR deadline to revamp its mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
17:22Lagos officials praise Jospong Group’s eco-friendly waste management module, eyes similar module
12:57Be truthful on dumsor: Omane Boamah to Napo
13:31NDC postpones Opoku-Agyemang entry tour to May
15:48'It's no crime' – Abu Sakara defends Alan's NPP exit
12:52