A new study has found that consuming zero-calorie sweeteners may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The findings, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation, suggest that people who consume artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin may be more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease.
The study, which included data from more than 400,000 people, found that those who consumed the most artificial sweeteners had a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events.
The researchers also found that the risk was higher among people who consumed more than one type of artificial sweetener.
The findings suggest that people should be cautious when consuming zero-calorie sweeteners, as they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
“Our findings suggest that people should be mindful of their intake of zero-calorie sweeteners, especially if they consume multiple types,” said lead author Dr. Ryan Zarychanski, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba.
The study also found that people who consumed more than one type of artificial sweetener were more likely to have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
The researchers caution that the study does not prove that artificial sweeteners cause heart attack and stroke, but that further research is needed to better understand the potential risks.
“We need to better understand the potential long-term health effects of consuming artificial sweeteners, particularly in those with existing cardiovascular risk factors,” said Dr. Zarychanski.
The findings of this new study suggest that people should be mindful of their intake of zero-calorie sweeteners, as they may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. While further research is needed to better understand the potential risks, it is important to be aware of the potential health implications of consuming artificial sweeteners. For those with existing cardiovascular risk factors, it may be best to limit or avoid the consumption of zero-calorie sweeteners.