A commonly used sugar substitute can cause health problems, scientists have discovered. This concerns neotame, also known as E961. This can lead to damage to the intestines, according to new research into human cells.
Neotame is used as a sugar substitute in cakes, soft drinks and chewing gum. The drug is used in more than 130 countries, including the Netherlands, says the Sweeteners Knowledge Center.
A recent British study, which used human intestinal cells, shows that the sweetener can lead to serious health problems. Even small amounts of the sweetener can weaken the intestines.
Reevaluated
The results of the research are not a reason for immediate concern, says lecturer in nutrition and health Annet Roodenburg of the HAS Green Academy.
She said further research is underway into the possible harmful effects of neotame, which was approved for use by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in 2010. The sugar substitute is currently being re-evaluated by the EFSA. “If it turns out that it is indeed more harmful than thought, two measures can be taken: the permitted dose in foods is reduced, or the processing of the substance is banned completely,” says Roodenburg.
According to the British researchers, ingestion of the substance can cause several diseases and conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, insulin resistance and blood poisoning (or sepsis), an inflammatory response of the entire body to an infection.
Approximately 3,500 people die from sepsis in the Netherlands every year. Patients who survive often suffer from serious psychological and physical sequelae of the disease.
Harmful even at low concentrations
Neotame is a relatively new sugar substitute. According to nutritionist Roodenburg, it was developed in 2002 as a replacement for the sweetener aspartame, which until then had been widely used in foods and drinks.
“On the one hand, it is a healthier alternative to sugar, but it can also be harmful,” says lead researcher, Havovi Chichger, “Neotame can damage the intestinal wall by causing damage to the ‘good bacteria’ in the intestines.”
The research shows that neotame can be harmful, even at low concentrations. These symptoms may be associated with irritable bowel syndrome and sepsis,” she said.
Used in many products
According to the Sweeteners Knowledge Center, neotame is used in many products in the Netherlands. Including soft drinks, sweets, jam, ice cream, dairy products, nutritional supplements, soups and sauces and chewing gum. It is also used as a loose table sweetener.
The Sweeteners Knowledge Center does not see enough reason in the study to advise Dutch people not to consume products containing neotame. “We are awaiting the outcome of the evaluation by the European Food Safety Agency,” a spokesperson for the knowledge center told RTL News.
Tags: Commonly sweetener sweets soft drinks possibly harmful health RTL News
