Common Food Eaten When Sick Could Have Unexpected Effect on Antibiotics
Summary
New research shows that eating a lot of sugary foods while taking antibiotics may harm the good bacteria in the gut. The study focused on blood cancer patients receiving stem cell transplants and found that sugar intake with antibiotics caused a bigger loss in gut bacteria diversity, which is important for health.Key Facts
- The study analyzed over 9,400 hospital meals and more than 1,000 stool samples from 173 blood cancer patients.
- Patients undergoing stem cell transplants often receive intensive treatments including antibiotics that affect their gut bacteria.
- Eating more sweets while taking broad-spectrum antibiotics was linked to a 24% drop in gut bacteria diversity for every extra 100 grams of sugar consumed daily.
- Loss of gut bacteria diversity is a marker of an unhealthy microbiome, which supports the immune system and overall health.
- The research was done by scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, and City of Hope Cancer Center.
- The study warns that the results may not apply to healthy people taking short courses of antibiotics for common infections.
- Experts suggest reducing sugary foods when on antibiotics as a simple and safe way to protect gut health.
- More research is needed to confirm if sugar affects gut bacteria in healthier adults taking antibiotics.
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