High-Sugar Foods May Raise Gut Bacteria Risks During Antibiotic Treatment

Consuming foods and drinks high in sugar while taking antibiotics may significantly disrupt the gut’s microbial balance, a recent study has found.

The findings suggest that the combination could also encourage the growth of certain bacteria capable of causing serious infections.

The study focused on the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that naturally live in the intestines. Its findings point to a potential link between sugar intake during antibiotic treatment and changes in that community.

The reported risk concerns both disruption to the microbiome and the increased growth of potentially harmful bacteria. That does not mean everyone who consumes sugary products while taking antibiotics will develop an infection.

The available summary did not specify the antibiotics involved, the amounts of sugar examined or the study’s methods, limiting conclusions about how broadly the findings apply.