Sweetener tagatose may tame blood sugar and feed good gut bugs

NCT ID NCT06920641

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: PepsiCo Global R&D Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether tagatose, a low-calorie sweetener, can act as a prebiotic—meaning it selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria and improves blood sugar control. Fifty-nine healthy adults with slightly high blood sugar or insulin resistance took either tagatose or a placebo (sucrose) daily for four weeks, then switched after a break. Researchers measured blood sugar responses and gut bacteria changes to see if tagatose offers a health benefit beyond just sweetening.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: tagatose
What this could lead to: If tagatose is shown to be a prebiotic, it could point toward a sugar substitute that also supports healthy blood sugar and gut bacteria.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy adults, not people with diabetes. The results may not apply to the general population, and tagatose may not prove effective.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glucose intolerance hyperinsulinism infectious disease Insulin Resistance prediabetes syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE MICROBIAL COLONIZATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

INQUIS Clinical Research

Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2N8, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.