Diet sweeteners linked to heart disease risk, but one type may be a game changer

The study results were disclosed in the International Journal of Obesity. For over two decades, the researchers carefully examined routine human food consumption, specifically focusing on non-nutritive sweetening substances typically found in artificial sweeteners.

They discovered prolonged intake of aspartame, saccharin, and diet beverages containing these ingredients was linked to increased fat storage in the abdomen and muscles. The only sweetener that did not significantly impact fat storage was sucralose.

"The study revealed that regular, long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners is associated with larger volumes of fat tissue. This was observed even after controlling for other factors such as the amount and quality of food consumed," said Brian Steffen, one of the study's authors.

In turn, excess fat tissue is a key risk factor for numerous diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

The study's findings cast doubt on the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association's recommendations to substitute added sugars with artificial sweeteners. Therefore, the research team suggests taking an alternate approach as long-term artificial sweetener consumption might lead to possible health complications.

Sucralose, the only sweetener that demonstrated no impact on fat tissue accumulation, is approximately 300-800 times sweeter than sugar. It contains zero calories and is resistant to the body's metabolic processes. This means it is expelled from the body in its original form after consumption.

Numerous experts consider sucralose as a safe option for health. Multiple human and animal studies reported no toxic or carcinogenic effects. Research also showed that consuming moderate amounts of sucralose does not influence blood sugar levels, making it a suitable sweetener for individuals with diabetes.

Despite sucralose being generally regarded as safe, some individuals have reported digestive issues such as abdominal pain or bloating post-consumption.