New Study Targets Artificial
Sweeteners Effect On Microbes
FDA-approved artificial sweeteners
and sport supplements were found
to be toxic to digestive gut microbes,
according to a new paper published
in Molecules by researchers at Ben-
Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)
in Israel and Nanyang Technological
University in Singapore.
The collaborative study indicat-
ed relative toxicity of six artificial
sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose,
saccharine, neotame, advantame and
acesulfame potassium-k) and 10 sport
supplements containing these artificial
sweeteners. The bacteria found in the
digestive system became toxic when
exposed to concentrations of only 1
mg/ml of the artificial sweeteners.
“We modified bioluminescent E.
coli bacteria, which luminesce when
they detect toxicants and act as a
sensing model representative of the
complex microbial system,” says Prof.
Ariel Kushmaro, John A. Ungar Chair
in biotechnology in the Avram and
Stella Goldstein-Goren Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, and
member of the Ilse Katz Institute for
Nanoscale Science and Technology
and the National Institute for
Biotechnology in the Negev. “This is
further evidence that consumption of
artificial sweeteners adversely affects
gut microbial activity that can cause a
wide range of health issues.”
Artificial sweeteners are used in
countless food products and soft
drinks with reduced sugar content.
Many people consume this added
ingredient without their knowledge.
Moreover, artificial sweeteners have
been identified as emerging environ-
mental pollutants and can be found
in drinking and surface water, and
groundwater aquifers.
“The results of this study might help
in understanding the relative toxicity of
artificial sweeteners and the potential
of negative effects on the gut microbial
community as well as the environ-
ment,” Kushmaro said. “Furthermore,
the tested bioluminescent bacterial
panel can potentially be used for
detecting artificial sweeteners in the
environment.” ■
STEP INTO 2019
VEIN FREE
Varicose veins can result in painful leg symptoms. Allure
Medical can heal your legs with a non-invasive treatment
with no downtime. Leg pain is not the only symptom
associated with varicose veins.
Other symptoms may include:
- Restless Legs
- Bulging Veins
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Ulcers
- Itching
Get Tested For Gaucher Disease
JScreen, the national nonprofit com-
munity-based public health initiative
dedicated to education and carrier
screening for Jewish and other genetic
diseases, has joined with the National
Gaucher Foundation (NGF) to mark
National Gaucher Awareness Month
during October.
Gaucher (pronounced go-SHAY)
disease is one of more than 200 dis-
eases for which JScreen tests with its
easy-to-use at-home saliva sample kit.
The condition affects up to 1 in 40,000
live births in the general population.
Gaucher is much more common in
people with Ashkenazi Jewish back-
ground, affecting up to 1 in 450 indi-
viduals.
Unlike many other genetic diseases,
treatment is available when medically
necessary.
“We work very closely with the
National Gaucher Foundation (NGF)
to raise awareness and encourage
screening, particularly of young
adults who may be thinking of having
children soon,” said Karen Arnovitz
Grinzaid, JScreen executive director.
Gaucher disease results from the
body not having enough gluco-
crebrosidase (GCase), an important
enzyme that breaks down a fatty sub-
stance called glucocerebroside. Because
the body cannot break down this sub-
stance, fat-laden Gaucher cells build
up in areas like the spleen, liver and
bone marrow and can cause low blood
counts, bleeding, bruising, fatigue,
enlarged spleen and liver, and bone
problems.
During October, JScreen, in part-
nership with the NGF, will encourage
screening for individuals and couples
planning to start or grow their families.
“It’s important to be screened so
people know whether or not they are
a carrier and how this might impact
their children,” says Amy Blum, COO
of the National Gaucher Foundation.
“The NGF is very grateful for its part-
nership with JScreen and being able to
offer screening. More than 1,500 indi-
viduals have already been screened
through this joint initiative.” ■
FREE VEIN SCREENING
Call by November 1st and Allure will have your
treatment done before your deductible resets in January
24 8-266-8822
w w w.a l l u revei ncente r.com
Beverly Hills/ Birmingham
32804 Pierce Street
Beverly Hills, MI 48025
:HVW%ORRPÀHOG
6900 Orchard Lake Road, Ste 215
:HVW%ORRPÀHOG0,
(Located in the Beaumont building)
For details, go to jscreen.org.
jn
October 25 • 2018
61