The Impact of Steviol Glycosides on Human Gut Microflora Profile and Function

Diet and dietary ingredients can have a profound effect on gut microflora, both positive and negative. The reported effects on low and non caloric sweeteners (LNCS) on human gut microflora are contradictory in some of the in vitro and rodent studies. More specifically, the latter studies, using doses above the acceptable daily intake (ADI), suggest that LNCS may have adverse effects on gut microflora whereas recent data from human RCTs, using doses at or below the ADI, show little to no effect. In this study we will compare the effects of a low energy beverage made with steviol glycosides vs. a beverage made with sucrose on human gut microflora profile and function in a double blind, randomized study. A sucrose beverage was chosen as a control as it represents a caloric sugar sweetened beverage which is commonly consumed.