We often see it on the shelves at the market. “calorie free, zero, diet, incredibly sugar free” There are products with such phrases. It is often used as an artificial sweetener in these products. sucralose is used. According to a new study, sucralose can cause serious harm to microorganisms.

from the University of Florida Marine bioscientist Tracey Schafer, “Our bodies cannot break down sucralose, and many microorganisms cannot either, because it is a very difficult molecule to break down.” he said. Schafer notes that there are unanswered questions about how sucrose affects the environment and its effect on microbial structures.

Artificial sweetener threatens microorganisms

Research team at Marineland, Florida from fresh and brackish water areas collected samples and exposed them to different concentrations of sucralose in the laboratory. After five days, the effects of artificial sweeteners became clear. Sucralose Exposed cyanobacteria increased their concentrations and diatoms also decreased.

Chemist Amelia Westmoreland, “It is possible that freshwater communities mistake sucralose for a sugar they can use as food.” said. This study does not go into detail about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners. However, it is clear that the delicate balances of natural ecosystems can be disrupted depending on the amount of sucralose that goes through the wastewater treatment process and into the environment.

Diatoms, oceans from primary producers They stand out as one of the essential regulators of carbon-oxygen cycles. on the other hand cyanobacteria There is a risk that other species will be suppressed. Although it is said that more research needs to be done on this topic, Schafer says “I think this study is a good first step in investigating how sucralose may impact our aquatic communities, and I hope it stimulates further research.” said.

Research ‘Environmental monitoring and assessment’was also published.