Researchers in Paris analyzed the sweetener intake of participants from all dietary sources, including beverages, tabletop sweeteners, and dairy products.
Artificial sweeteners “should not be regarded as a healthy replacement to sugar” after researchers discovered a 9 percent increased risk of heart disease associated with their use.
Researchers from Sorbonne Paris Nord University in France also found artificial sweetener usage was connected to a roughly 20% increased risk of disorders that disrupt blood flow to the brain.
The study compared the individuals’ intake of sweeteners from all dietary sources, including beverages, tabletop sweeteners, and dairy products, to their risk of cardiovascular or circulatory disorders.
This study, which was published in the British Medical Journal, involved more than one hundred thousand French people.
Participants had an average age of 42 and four out of five were female.
Researchers monitored their consumption of sweeteners using diet records.
Diet diaries were completed three times at six-month intervals – twice on weekdays and once on weekends – with participants recording everything they consumed, including the brand, for 24 hours.
37% of participants reported using artificial sweeteners.
During an average follow-up duration of nine years, participants reported 1,502 cardiovascular events.
This included heart attacks, strokes, transient ischemic episodes (also known as small strokes), and angina – chest pain associated with insufficient blood flow to heart muscles.
Researchers discovered that usage of artificial sweeteners was associated with a 9 percent increased risk of heart disease.
And when they examined each disease individually, they discovered that consumption of artificial sweeteners was associated with an 18% increased risk of cerebrovascular disease – illnesses that impair blood flow to the brain.
Aspartame was related to a 17% greater risk of cerebrovascular events, and acesulfame potassium and sucralose were connected with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
The authors noted, “In this large prospective cohort of French adults, artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose) were related with an elevated risk of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and coronary heart disorders.”
“The data show that artificial sweeteners might constitute a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease prevention.
The findings indicate that these food additives, which are consumed daily by millions of people and are present in thousands of foods and beverages, should not be considered a healthy and safe alternative to sugar, by the current position of several health agencies.
Tracy Parker, the senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), commented on the study, stating, “Observational studies such as this can only demonstrate an association; more research is required to understand the links between artificial sweeteners and the risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases.”
The majority of people in the United Kingdom consume too much sugar, which is connected to health issues such as obesity and tooth decay.
Before they can be added to food in Europe, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) must authorize their usage. “Artificial sweeteners are a tempting approach to reduce sugar intake. This is a rigorous process, so you can eat them with confidence.”
