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Nutrition · News, made simple

Antibiotics and Sugar: What to Know

Learn how sweet foods might affect your body while taking common medicines.

HealthStylz Editors
· 2 min read

Photo: Nadin Sh

The short version

  • Antibiotics treat bacterial infections.
  • Sugar may cause gut issues.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Based on reporting by ScienceDaily Nutrition. We explain it in plain words; read the original for the full story.

Nutrition facts

Everyday foods that fit this story One normal serving of each.

Fiber per serving

  1. Apple1 medium (182 g)4.4 g
  2. Banana1 medium (118 g)3.1 g

Protein per serving

  1. Apple1 medium (182 g)0.5 g
  2. Banana1 medium (118 g)1.3 g

Calories per serving

  1. Apple1 medium (182 g)94.6 cal
  2. Banana1 medium (118 g)105 cal

Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Hello friend. If you are caring for your family or working on your own health goals, you might wonder how everyday foods mix with medicines. Let us look at a recent update about sweet treats and common prescriptions.

What's new

One new study notes that eating more sugar while taking antibiotics was linked to greater disruption of the gut microbiome and increased growth of potentially harmful bacteria. This does not prove cause and effect.

What it means for you

Researchers say temporarily cutting back on sweets during and after antibiotic treatment could be a simple way to reduce this damage, though clinical trials are still needed.

One small thing to try

You can ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your prescriptions. Try swapping a sweet snack for a piece of fresh fruit this week.

Where this comes from