Artificial sweetener aspartame has long been linked to various health concerns, including cancer and neurological problems. A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that mice consuming aspartame daily developed larger and more fatty plaques in their arteries compared to those without the sweetener. The researchers also discovered that aspartame can trigger an increase in insulin levels, contributing to atherosclerosis.
However, not everyone is convinced about the human relevance of these findings. Dr. Ian Musgrave, a senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide, suggests that genetically engineered mice on a high-fat diet may not accurately represent human biology. Nevertheless, other experts argue that this study’s results add weight to existing research warning against artificial sweeteners’ potential harm.
The researchers plan to verify their findings in humans and have identified an immune signal as the mechanism behind the negative effects of aspartame. While there is no conclusive epidemiology evidence available on aspartame’s human health impacts, the study’s discovery may lead to new avenues for treating chronic conditions stemming from blood vessel inflammation.
Source: https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/sugar-free-drinks-aspartame-heart