Artificial sweeteners 'just as bad as sugar', study suggests

A study is suggesting artificial sweeteners could be just as bad for us as normal sugar.

Scientists have found the additives cause sugar levels in the blood to rise and alter the balance of bacteria in the gut.

The research also discovered the additives can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Doctor Eran Elinav from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, who was involved in the study, said: "We are calling for a discussion among the general public and the scientific community on the role of the widespread use of artificial sweeteners."