Effect of Sucralose Intake on Human and Mouse/Rat Gut Microbiota Composition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Sucralose is a popular nonnutritive sweetener. The association of sucralose with gut microbiota and its effect on body weight remains unclear; therefore, we examined the effect of sucralose on human and mouse/rat gut microbiota composition. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by including clinical trials on the effect of sucralose on human and mouse/rat gut microbiota composition. Results: Of nine studies, two were human trials, and seven were mouse/rat trials. In humans, sucralose intake resulted in significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes than controls (mean change in relative abundance = 0.24, P < 0.001); however, the converse was observed in mice/rats (mean change in relative abundance = −11.02,P = 0.01). The relative abundance of Actinobacteria significantly increased in humans after sucralose intake (mean change in relative abundance = 0.30, P < 0.01), and the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia significantly decreased in mice/rats after sucralose intake (mean change in relative abundance = −1.43, P = 0.04). Conclusions: Sucralose reduced obesity in humans by reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and increasing the relative abundance of Actinobacteria. However, sucralose induced obesity in mice/rats by reducing the F/B ratio. More randomized clinical trials and international cooperation in sharing original data are warranted in the future.