sucralose

But a recent study from researchers at the University of Florida shows a commonly used artificial sweetener, sucralose, may have negative effects on our freshwater ecosystems.

Ingesting sucralose in place of these nutrients means the microbes do not grow, as sucralose cannot be broken down by the enzymes that degrade natural sugars to fuel their metabolism.

In turn, this may have adverse effects up the food chain and disrupt carefully balanced ecosystems once sucralose is released into our water system and the wider environment.

A 2019 study found that the presence of sucralose can cause DNA damage and genetic mutations in freshwater fish such as carp.

Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose are not metabolized by the human body so they are excreted – this is what makes them low-calorie sugar alternatives.