Problematic Additives in Dietary Supplements

Reading the Ingredients List

Not everything marketed as a “health product” is automatically harmless. Many supplements contain additives whose long-term effects are questionable.

Artificial Sweeteners

Sucralose (E955)

Sucralose is a chlorinated sugar that is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose. It was originally classified as safe, but more recent research raises questions.

What the research shows:

A study by Bian et al. (2017) in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that sucralose alters gut microbiota composition in mice — even at dosages below the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake).

A human study by Suez et al. (2022) in Cell showed that sucralose (and other sweeteners) can influence individual glycaemic responses and alter the gut microbiome.

Important caveat: The evidence is not conclusive. Some studies find no negative effects. Research is still ongoing.

Aspartame (E951)

Aspartame has been extensively studied and classified as safe by regulatory bodies (EFSA, FDA). However, the WHO/IARC classified aspartame in 2023 as “possibly carcinogenic” (Group 2B) — based on limited evidence.

Context: Group 2B does not mean “dangerous” but rather “more research needed.” Aloe vera and pickled vegetables are also in this category.

Acesulfame-K (E950)

Less studied than sucralose or aspartame. Individual animal studies show changes in glucose metabolism, but human evidence is limited.

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers improve texture and shelf life but may affect the gut barrier.

Polysorbate 80 (E433) and Carboxymethylcellulose (E466)

A widely noted study by Chassaing et al. (2015) in Nature showed that these emulsifiers can, in mice:

• Thin the intestinal mucus layer
• Increase inflammation markers
• Cause changes in the microbiota

Limitations:

• Animal studies are not directly transferable to humans
• Dosages in studies are often higher than normal consumption
• Individual responses vary greatly

A systematic review by Bancil et al. (2021) found: the evidence for negative effects of emulsifiers in humans is still limited, but concerning enough to warrant further research.

Artificial Colourants

Some artificial colourants (particularly azo dyes) have been linked to hyperactivity in children. A meta-analysis by Nigg et al. (2012) found small but significant effects.

In the EU, products containing certain colourants must carry a warning label.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

Don’t Panic

Most people consume these substances in small quantities without obvious problems. The dose makes the poison.

Apply the Precautionary Principle for Regular Use

If you take supplements daily, your exposure accumulates. In this case, it can make sense to choose products without these additives.

Pay Attention to the Ingredients List

Commonly found in protein powders:

• Sucralose as a sweetener
• Acesulfame-K in combination
• Lecithins as an emulsifier (harmless)
• Xanthan as a thickener (harmless)

Better alternatives:

• Inulin (soluble fibre, prebiotic)
• Lucuma (natural sweetness from the fruit, nutrient-rich)
• Coconut blossom sugar (low glycaemic index)
• Stevia (natural origin, well-studied)
• Monk fruit (Luo Han Guo)
• Unsweetened products
• Natural flavourings without sweeteners

Quality Indicators for Good Supplements

1. Short ingredients list: Less is often more
2. No artificial sweeteners: Or only natural alternatives
3. No unnecessary fillers: Maltodextrin, dextrose as bulking agents
4. Transparent sourcing: Information about raw material sources
5. Independent testing: Certifications such as Informed Sport

Conclusion

Research on additives is evolving. What is considered safe today may be assessed differently tomorrow. For daily supplement use, it makes sense to choose products with as few additives as possible — not out of panic, but out of prudence.

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Sources:

• Suez J et al. (2022). Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance. Cell.
• Chassaing B et al. (2015). Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting colitis and metabolic syndrome. Nature.
• Bian X et al. (2017). The artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium affects the gut microbiome and body weight gain in CD-1 mice. PLOS ONE.
• Bancil AS et al. (2021). Food Additive Emulsifiers and Their Impact on Gut Microbiome, Permeability, and Inflammation. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis.
• IARC (2023). IARC Monographs evaluate the carcinogenicity of aspartame, methyleugenol, and isoeugenol.