Summarised by Centrist
Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener, may contribute to heart disease and diabetes by triggering insulin spikes and chronic inflammation, according to new research.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that mice consuming aspartame developed arterial plaque build-up—a key risk factor for strokes and heart attacks—faster than those consuming sugar.
The study’s findings suggest aspartame tricks the body’s sweetness receptors into releasing excessive insulin. “Artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Christopher Yi, a vascular surgeon. Long-term exposure led to persistently high insulin levels, a precursor to insulin resistance and health problems like diabetes.
Unlike sugar, which caused weight gain in the study’s mice, aspartame accelerated the formation of fatty plaques in arteries within just four weeks. Researchers identified a protein, CX3CL1, which seemed to attract inflammatory cells, which worsened arterial damage. “This mechanism could explain why diet soda drinkers, despite avoiding sugar, still show a heightened risk for metabolic diseases,” Yi noted.
The findings challenge the assumption that artificial sweeteners are a healthier alternative to sugar. Yi advises caution: “While aspartame is FDA-approved and considered safe in moderation, these findings highlight the potential long-term risks associated with frequent intake.”
Read more over at Medical News Today
Image: Evan-Amos
