Study links sugar elimination to gut and metabolic issues

25 June 2026

A surprising study found that completely cutting sugar from one’s diet may disrupt gut health and metabolism, instead of improving them. The study challenges the assumption that sugar in itself is unhealthy, pointing at added sugar or added sweeteners.

In the study, mice who were fed a low-fat diet that contained no sucrose experienced several negative health effects. The study highlights the importance of keeping a balanced diet with carbohydrates to support gut and the immune system. It also shows that eating sugar naturally from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, or dairy is not problematic.

SAFE has repeatedly raised concerns about the negative health impact of ultra-processed foods (NOVA Group 4), such as sugar-sweetened beverages, calling for measures to limit the marketing of these foods and drinks and encourage reformulation. Crucially, purely cosmetic reformulation should be avoided, like adding fibers in food after the processing, as opposed to naturally occurring fibers.

Dr. Rasheed Ahmad, the lead scientist of the study and head of the Immunology & Microbiology Department at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait said that this research may influence future dietary recommendations. The focus could shift towards maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, rather than cutting out sugar completely.

Consuming too many added sugars can raise blood pressure, inflammation, damage teeth and lead to weight gain. Over time, it can even increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.