Research by Francisca Concha Celume of the Universidad de Chile, found that mice given sucralose or stevia passed on changes in metabolic genes to their children and grandchildren even when later generations did not consume the sweeteners (NY Post, April 18 2026).
In a study of 47 mice, “later generations received only plain water, but researchers still found changes in gut bacteria, lower levels of short-chain fatty acids, beneficial compounds that support metabolism, immune health, and shifts in genes linked to inflammation and metabolism (1).” These results of course do not prove the same results would occur in humans, this study supports an increasing body of research that suggests changes do occur in humans after consuming sweeteners and obesity has not declined among the over 140 million consumers of sweeteners.
In particular, there are concerns among scientists about how sweeteners affect the body and our gut microbiome.
D-tagatose is a rare sugar with antioxidants and prebiotic effects. Characteristics include “low digestibility, reduced glycemic and insulinemic responses, and the potential to improve the lipid profile, an alternative for diabetes mellitus and obesity (2).”
Another health advantage of D-tagatose is most of it is digested and fermented in the lower intestinal tracts, creating a positive environment for short chain fatty acid and healthy gut bacterial growth.
According to a February 28 2026 BSH Ingredients report, d-tagatose has 38% the calories of sucrose, 92% of the sweetness, and only a 3 glycemic index.
2) https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/12/1943
https://nypost.com/2026/01/16/health/sweetener-tastes-like-sugar-but-healthier-with-fewer-calories/
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