Risks of Artificial Sweeteners Highlighted in New Study
Artificial sweeteners were initially developed to provide healthier options than sugar, but a recent study suggests they come with their own set of health risks.
Surprisingly, even small amounts can make a notable impact: researchers from various institutions in Australia and the Netherlands discovered that consuming just one can of artificially sweetened soft drink each day over several years is linked to a 38 percent greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who seldom consume sweetened beverages.
This increase is more significant than the 23 percent rise in diabetes risk associated with regular sugar-sweetened drinks, which is rather ironic.
The study analyzed the dietary habits of 36,608 Australians aged between 40 and 69. Participants detailed their consumption of artificial sweeteners and sugar, with their health tracked over an average span of 14 years.
“Drinking one or more of these drinks daily – whether they are sweetened by sugar or artificial elements – was associated with a notably higher probability of developing type 2 diabetes,” notes Robel Hussen Kabthymer, a nutritionist at Monash University.
Interestingly, when accounting for body weight, the correlation between sugary drinks and type 2 diabetes faded. This suggests that being overweight might be a key factor in that specific relationship. However, the association with artificial sweeteners remained.
Due to numerous known factors influencing type 2 diabetes risk, researchers are unable to definitively say that artificial sweeteners are the direct cause. What they have found is a connection, but more research is necessary to clarify it.
Previous studies, although not conducted in Australia, have gathered further evidence supporting this association. Since different artificial sweeteners are prevalent in various countries, and dietary habits vary widely, it’s crucial to compile extensive data regarding potential dangers.
“Artificial sweeteners are often suggested to individuals at risk for diabetes as a healthier choice, but our findings indicate they might pose their own health concerns,” explains Barbora de Courten, a biomedical scientist at RMIT University.
The researchers suspect that certain sweeteners might disrupt blood sugar levels, which could lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. For instance, aspartame, a common sweetener, has previously been found to elicit an insulin response similar to that of sugar.
Other sweeteners are known to affect gut bacteria, increasing glucose intolerance within the body. These types of interactions may be contributing to the risk of type 2 diabetes, even among individuals who aren’t gaining weight.
The researchers advocate for increased awareness regarding the possible dangers of artificial sweeteners. Research in recent years has linked these substitutes to issues related to brain health and cardiovascular problems.
“We support initiatives like taxes on sugary drinks, but our findings indicate that artificially sweetened options also deserve scrutiny,” de Courten states. “These are frequently marketed as healthier, yet they may carry their own risks. Future policies should address the consumption of all non-nutritive beverages more comprehensively.”
The results of the research have been published in Diabetes & Metabolism.
