Common artificial sweeteners, including the newer neotame, may be causing serious damage to the gut and transforming healthy gut bacteria into dangerous agents of disease, according to a new study. While some artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have been linked to health problems, less research has been done on newer ones like neotame. The study found that neotame can directly damage the lining of the intestine and harm “good” bacteria, potentially leading to a range of health issues including intestinal inflammation and infections.