Study Links Sweetener‑Drug Interactions to Reduced Beneficial Gut Microbes

A striking result from the Cambridge study involved the sweetener isosteviol combined with the antidepressant duloxetine. Together, they dramatically suppressed the growth of two key bacterial species—Rothia intestinalis and Parabacteroides merdae—both known for supporting blood‑glucose stability, gut lining health, and immune function. To simulate a realistic gut environment, researchers built a synthetic community of 25 strains. Even in this model, the isosteviol‑duloxetine mixture lowered microbial diversity and displayed toxic effects on certain cells, suggesting possible links to inflammation and altered immune responses.