Saccharin is often demonized as a poor-quality artificial sweetener . However, it may not be that bad for our health. Researchers have discovered that saccharin, a century-old artificial sweetener commonly used in diet drinks and yogurt, can effectively combat multidrug-resistant bacteria , offering a new tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance . The findings, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine on April 8, 2025, reveal that saccharin can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria by disrupting DNA replication and preventing biofilm formation .
The study shows that saccharin stops bacterial growth by interfering with their protective mechanisms. Specifically, it prevents the formation of biofilms that typically shield bacteria from antibiotics and disrupts their DNA replication process.

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a significant global health crisis. This occurs when bacteria evolve to survive treatments designed to eliminate them, making certain infections untreatable. The problem has been accelerated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, with bacteria sharing survival traits among themselves.

According to the World Health Organization , some pathogens have become increasingly dangerous, causing severe infections in patients. The organization reported that in 2019, approximately 5 million deaths were associated with drug-resistant infections.

The discovery comes at a crucial time when global health leaders are expressing concerns about a potential post-antibiotic era. This unexpected application of a common sweetener could provide a significant breakthrough in combating resistant infections.
Saccharin has been widely used as a sugar substitute in various food products, particularly in diet beverages and yogurt. Its newly discovered antimicrobial properties present an innovative approach to addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in modern medicine.