Effects of recombinant brazzein consumption as a sugar alternative on human gut microbiota, biochemical status, and psychological well-being

Abstract Brazzein and other sweet proteins can serve as a natural substitute for synthetic sweeteners. Their digestion occurs in the intestine, where they are processed alongside ordinary food proteins. Brazzein is 500–2000 times sweeter than sucrose, and is being developed as a safe, biotechnology-produced sugar substitute. In this 21-day randomized controlled study involving 60 healthy volunteers, we assessed the tolerability, biochemical and physiological responses, psychological well-being, and gut microbiota shifts following daily oral intake of recombinant brazzein compared to sucrose. Brazzein consumption was well tolerated, with no adverse effects on clinical or biochemical parameters, and was associated with a slight improvement in gastrointestinal symptom scores and increased abundance of Dialister invisus in the gut microbiota. These findings support the safety of brazzein and suggest its potential as a sugar alternative with no detrimental effects on human health. Graphical Abstract