Impact of D-allulose consumption on Enteric pathogens in human gut Microbiota: A randomized controlled trial study

Abstract

D-allulose, a rare sugar recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe, has emerged as a potential alternative to sucrose. Despite its growing popularity, research on its effects on the human gut microbiota, including pathogens, remains scarce. To address these concerns, we conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study assessing D-allulose’s safety on gut microbiota in humans. Participants consumed 15 g/day of D-allulose or sucralose (placebo) for 12 weeks. Gut microbiota analysis in stool samples, performed through shotgun metagenomics sequencing before and after the intervention, evaluated microbial diversity, taxonomy of prevalent species, changes in pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium difficile, Helicobacter hepaticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacteroides fragilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica), and short-chain fatty acid production. Our findings revealed no significant differences in microbial diversity, pathogenic bacteria levels, or short-chain fatty acid production, suggesting that D-allulose consumption is safe and does not adversely affect the gut microbiome or pathogen presence.

Keywords

• D-allulose
• Gut microbiome
• Pathogenic infections