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