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Artificial sweeteners are marketed as low-calorie alternatives to sugar, and many people use them. However, this does not necessarily mean they are safe for health.
According to what was published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, American researchers have found that calorie-free artificial sweeteners may negatively affect metabolism and may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as exacerbate the risks of heart and metabolic diseases, which calls for avoiding excessive consumption of them.
An analysis of 21 randomized clinical trials on artificial sweeteners showed that sugar substitutes may reduce insulin sensitivity and raise glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Observational studies also revealed an association between consumption of these sweeteners and an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Researchers believe this effect is linked to the gut microbiome, as artificial sweeteners interact with gut bacteria. Experiments on mice implanted with human gut microbes have shown that some sweeteners alter the composition and function of these microbes.
However, the researchers emphasize that these results still need further verification, as the study did not compare the effects of different types of artificial sweeteners.
They also pointed to the possibility of bias resulting from the reverse causal relationship, as people who are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease tend to choose products containing sugar substitutes, which may affect the interpretation of the results.
Despite these limitations, scientists believe that the time has come to reassess the role of artificial sweeteners in the diet, especially since the labels of these products only mention the types of sweeteners used, without disclosing their quantities.
