Aspartame, one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners in sugar-free beverages and products, could be linked to cardiovascular problems, according to a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that consuming this sweetener may increase insulin levels and promote fat accumulation in the arteries, raising risks for cardiovascular health and strokes.
Discovered in 1965 by scientist James M. Schlatter while researching an ulcer medication, aspartame is a white odorless powder derived from phenylalanine and aspartic acid. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is found in diet sodas, desserts, chewing gums, and other sugar-free products.
Despite its widespread acceptance, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame in 2023 as a “possible carcinogen”. However, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains that its consumption is safe within the limit of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.
Relationship with cardiovascular health risks
The study by the Karolinska Institute was prompted by the observation of its lead author, Yihai Cao, who noticed a student drinking a ‘diet’ soda and suggested investigating its effects. For this, the scientists fed mice with daily doses of aspartame equivalent to human consumption of three cans of diet soda a day for three months.
The results showed that mice exposed to the sweetener developed larger arterial plaques with higher fat content, as well as elevated levels of inflammation. The team detected an increase in insulin after consuming aspartame, as the sweetener activates sweetness receptors in the body, leading to excessive production of this hormone.
Furthermore, the researchers identified that an immune signal called CX3CL1 is activated with high insulin levels, which could be related to the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and strokes.
Human studies and next steps
Despite these findings, the study’s authors warn that results in animal models are not always applicable to humans. Rafael Urrialde, a professor at the Complutense University, emphasizes that metabolic processes can vary between species and that broader studies in humans are needed.
For now, the researchers plan to analyze the impact of aspartame on humans and explore whether CX3CL1 could be a therapeutic target. “Artificial sweeteners are in almost all foods. Understanding their long-term impact is crucial,” Cao concluded.
Why did the WHO classify the sweetener as carcinogenic?
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified aspartame as a “possible carcinogen” in humans because there is limited evidence linking it to liver cancer.
Basis of the classification
The classification is based on limited evidence from observational studies in humans.
There is also limited evidence that aspartame is associated with cancer in animals.
There is not enough evidence to suggest it may cause other types of cancer.
Experts do not know exactly how the sweetener contributes to developing cancer.
Considerations about aspartame
Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener in various food products and beverages.
The WHO considers aspartame safe and “there is no sufficient reason to modify the previously established acceptable daily intake.”
Aspartame is not recommended for individuals with PKU, as their bodies cannot absorb the amino acids used to produce it.
Other cancer risk factors
The National Cancer Institute points out that obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking are other factors that can increase the risk of cancer.
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