Summary
Scientists at Tufts University created a healthier sweetener called tagatose using engineered bacteria and slime mold enzymes. Tagatose is nearly as sweet as sugar but has fewer calories, making it a promising alternative for people who need to manage blood sugar levels. It also has potential health benefits for teeth and gut bacteria.
Key Facts
- Tufts University researchers developed a sugar alternative called tagatose.
- Tagatose is 92% as sweet as regular sugar but has about 60% fewer calories.
- The new method uses engineered Escherichia coli bacteria and slime mold enzymes.
- Traditional methods of making tagatose are expensive and inefficient.
- Tagatose is minimally absorbed, impacting blood sugar levels less than regular sugar.
- It may prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.
- The U.S. FDA considers tagatose as "generally recognized as safe."
- This method could lead to wider use of tagatose and other rare sugars.
