A new study from the University of Chile, published in the journal Frontiers in Genetics on May 5, 2026, suggests that common artificial sweeteners may trigger biological changes that could be passed down to future generations in mice. The research focused on sucralose and stevia, two widely used non-nutritive sweeteners.
Lead researcher Dr. Maria Jose Poblete and her team fed mice doses of sucralose and stevia equivalent to the acceptable daily intake for humans. They observed epigenetic changes—modifications in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence—in the sperm of male mice. These changes were then linked to altered gene expression in the offspring, particularly in genes related to metabolism and stress response.
However, experts caution that the findings are preliminary and based on animal models. Dr. Kevin McConway, a statistician at the Open University in the UK, noted that the study does not prove similar effects occur in humans, as mouse metabolism and reproduction differ significantly. The researchers themselves emphasize that more studies are needed to assess potential risks to humans.
The study has sparked debate among nutrition scientists. Some argue that the doses used were high and may not reflect typical human consumption patterns. Others point out that epigenetic changes can be influenced by many factors, including diet and environment, and may not necessarily be harmful.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA and EFSA continue to consider sucralose and stevia safe for human consumption at current levels. The study does not change these recommendations, but it highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners across generations.
