Drinking soda could potentially contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes through its impact on the gut microbiome. Image credit: Dobránska Renáta/Stocksy.
Decades of research indicate a connection between regular soda consumption and adverse health effects. Recent findings suggest that the gut microbiome could play a role in mediating some of these negative impacts. In a study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers identified nine bacterial species that appear to be significant in this association.
The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been shown to result in elevated levels of these nine specific bacteria in the gut microbiome. As these bacteria metabolize food, they produce certain compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals who consume high amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Despite a decline in consumption in recent years, these beverages remained a primary source of added sugar intake in the United States between 2017 and 2018.
The impact of soda consumption on health is likely multifaceted, with factors such as excessive weight gain, insulin resistance, inflammation, and unhealthy levels of blood fats all playing a role. According to senior author Qibin Qi, PhD, from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, the sugar in soda may be more readily absorbed due to its simple composition of sugar and water.
Recent evidence suggests that soda consumption may also alter the gut microbiome, potentially contributing to the risk of developing diabetes. Animal studies have shown that consuming fructose and glucose, the main sugars in soda, is associated with reduced gut bacteria diversity, decreased levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and increased levels of bacteria linked to inflammation.
Furthermore, a small study revealed that high-fructose syrup reduced the abundance of beneficial bacteria that produce SCFAs, such as butyrate. Other human studies have similarly reported changes in the gut microbiome associated with the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
The latest research is the first to investigate the connections between soda consumption, the gut microbiome, bacterial metabolites in the blood, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lucy McCann, MD, a registered associate nutritionist and clinical academic researcher, emphasized the importance of examining these associations given the global increase in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, which currently averages 2.7 servings per week.
The study focused on a Hispanic/Latino population in the U.S. of over 16,000 individuals, as this group exhibits high soda consumption and a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
The findings indicated that soda consumption was associated with alterations in nine species of…
Gut bacteria play a crucial role in our health. A study found that individuals who consumed two or more sodas per day had reduced levels of four species of bacteria that produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, the researchers identified 56 bacterial metabolites and compounds linked to changes in the gut microbiome. These compounds are involved in the metabolism of glycerophospholipid, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), aromatic amino acids (AAA), and phenylsulfate, all of which are associated with diabetes risk factors.
The study revealed that compounds related to glycerophospholipid and BCAA were linked to an increased risk of diabetes and poorer metabolic traits, while higher levels of AAA derivatives and phenylsulfate were associated with better metabolic health. The researchers believe that these findings could potentially help predict and manage diabetes in the future.
Moving forward, the scientists aim to investigate how gut bacteria and their metabolites may influence the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages and diabetes risk. They hope to shed light on preventative strategies for diabetes management.
In terms of healthier drink alternatives to soda, experts recommend opting for water as the best choice. If craving something fizzy, low-sugar options like sparkling water or kombucha are suggested. Kombucha, being naturally fermented and containing live microbes, may support gut health, but it’s important to choose products with live microbes and no added sugars.
While the gut microbiome is a captivating field of research, it is incredibly complex, varying greatly among individuals and regions, and influenced by factors like diet. Each bacterial species produces a diverse array of compounds during food metabolism, adding to the intricate nature of gut health research.
Each of these compounds has the potential to be converted into other compounds either by other microbes or gut enzymes. The gut microbiome still holds many mysteries, and it is likely to keep hold of them for many years to come. But watching them unfold will undoubtedly be fascinating. View the original article on Medical News Today.
