What�s your mixer of choice? Comparing the impact of sugar and sucralose mixed with ethanol on liver health
Orlowski, Madeline
Orlowski, Madeline
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Abstract
Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose are widely consumed in modern diets and often promoted as healthier alternatives to sugar. However, emerging evidence suggests that sucralose may influence metabolic processes and liver function, especially when consumed alongside alcohol, which is becoming increasingly common. The objective of this study was to investigate whether co-consumption of sucralose and ethanol exacerbates hepatic dysfunction compared to either substance alone and to determine if this combination differentially impacts health compared to sugar. We hypothesized that combined exposure would result in greater hepatic oxidative stress than individual treatments but not sugar or sugar and ethanol. Mice were divided into 6 treatment groups: Control, Sugar, Sucralose, Ethanol, Sugar/Ethanol, or Sucralose/Ethanol. Treatments were administered ad libitum via drinking water for twelve weeks, with sweetener concentrations reflecting average human intake (0.1 g/L sucralose, 100 g/L sucrose) and ethanol at 10%. Following the 12-weeks, standard measures of hepatic health were analyzed, including hepatic triglyceride content, lipid peroxidation, and serum transaminase levels, all by commercially available assay. Analysis of key genes associated with lipogenesis (SREBP-1c, FAS, DGAT2, etc.) and inflammation (IL-6, TNF?, etc.) will be performed. Early results showed no differences in serum liver transaminases, and tissue-level and qPCR data are forthcoming.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Nutrition and Food Science
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Life Science