Riesgos con los edulcorantes LIGHT – El Universal

Researchers in Mexico are investigating a potential link between the consumption of sucralose, a common non-caloric artificial sweetener, and an increased incidence of colon cancer. The investigation focuses on the impact of these additives within a population that maintains some of the highest rates of soft drink consumption globally.

According to reporting from El Universal on May 15, 2026, scientists at the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) are examining how these synthetic additives affect public health. Non-caloric sweeteners, including sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin, are widely used in the food and beverage industry for products labeled as light, zero, or sugar-free, as well as those designed for individuals with diabetes.

The urgency of the research is driven by a shift in colon cancer demographics in Mexico. While the disease was previously diagnosed more frequently in individuals over the age of 60, there has been a recorded increase in cases among men between the ages of 30 and 59.

Mexico currently ranks first in the consumption of soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages, many of which utilize non-caloric sweeteners as substitutes for table sugar. This high level of exposure has led researchers to look closer at the specific effects of sucralose.

Sonia Léon Cabrera, a researcher at UNAM’s Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, is leading a study to determine the effects of sucralose on newborns. The research specifically examines infants whose mothers consumed the sweetener during the perinatal stage, which is defined as the period from the 28th week of gestation to the seventh day of the baby’s life outside the womb.

Based on this information, my team and I decided to undertake an investigation to see what effects the consumption of sucralose, specifically, has on newborns of mothers who consumed this non-caloric sweetener during the perinatal stage

Sonia Léon Cabrera, researcher at the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM

The research acknowledges that colon cancer development is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and dietary factors. However, the prevalence of processed juices and sodas among pregnant and lactating women in Mexico has made the study of perinatal exposure a priority for the UNAM team.

The broader scientific debate regarding artificial sweeteners often centers on their interaction with the human body’s internal systems. Recent discussions in the scientific community have highlighted the role of the gut microbiota, exploring how non-caloric sweeteners may alter the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract and whether these changes contribute to metabolic or inflammatory issues.

While these sweeteners are designed to provide sweetness without adding calories or raising blood glucose levels, their long-term impact remains a subject of ongoing study. Public health experts continue to evaluate whether the perceived benefits of replacing sugar with synthetic alternatives are offset by potential risks to the microbiome or long-term cellular health.

The findings from the UNAM investigation into perinatal sucralose exposure may provide further clarity on how early-life chemical exposure contributes to the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, particularly in regions with high consumption of processed beverages.