In 2025, Huang-Pin Chen and a team from National Cheng Kung University reviewed studies on low-calorie sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia. They examined how these affect metabolism, heart health, cancer risk, and gut bacteria, pulling data from human and animal studies on blood sugar, insulin, and microbiome changes.

Globally, added sugar now makes up around 10% of total calories consumed, ranking just behind grains and produce. But while those provide some nourishment, sugar contributes little and harms much. A 2023 Annual Review study warns that sugar—not fat—is driving the chronic disease epidemic. And sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the worst offenders.

A 2025 review in Nutrients links regular sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption to poorer sperm health—lower count, reduced motility, and increased DNA damage. Oxidative stress, hormonal disruption, and obesity may be to blame.