Study Finds Common Artificial Sweetener Could Raise Insulin Levels
The study was prompted by a can of diet soda.
Recent research indicates that a commonly used sugar alternative found in diet beverages, chewing gum, and low-sugar yogurts may raise insulin levels, which could elevate the long-term risk of cardiovascular issues.
Aspartame ‘Deceives’ the Body
The study, recently published in the Cell Press journal Cell Metabolism, revealed that aspartame increases insulin levels in mice, contributing to atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries. This process can trigger elevated inflammation, a known factor that heightens the risk for heart attacks and strokes over time.
The study was sparked by a can of diet soda, according to Cao.
Mice were given food containing 0.15 percent aspartame daily for 12 weeks, an equivalent amount to a person consuming about three cans of diet soda each day. In contrast to mice not exposed to the sweetener, those that received aspartame showed larger, fattier plaques in their arteries and higher inflammation levels.
The researchers recorded a spike in insulin levels following the introduction of aspartame into the mice’s system.
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Increased insulin levels in the mice resulted in the accumulation of fatty plaques in their arteries, indicating that insulin may be the link between aspartame consumption and heart health issues, the researchers explained.
The study highlighted an immune signal known as CX3CL1, which becomes activated upon insulin release and is linked to vascular inflammation.
“Due to the robust flow of blood through the arteries, most substances would typically be quickly washed away,” Cao stated. “However, CX3CL1 is surprisingly resilient; it adheres to the inner lining of blood vessels, acting like bait to capture passing immune cells.” These trapped immune cells contribute to inflammation and exacerbate or initiate plaque formation.
When researchers removed CX3CL1 receptors from specific immune cells in aspartame-fed mice, harmful plaque formation did not take place. According to Cao, these findings underscore the significance of CX3CL1 in the effects of aspartame on arterial health. They also suggest that targeting the interaction with CX3CL1 could be a potential therapeutic avenue for combating heart disease.
“One of my students was drinking this sugar-free beverage, and I suggested they investigate it further,” Cao remarked.
Chris Mohr, a dietitian and exercise physiologist, remarked that artificial sweeteners are generally regarded as safe based on long-term studies. While certain research, including this latest one, raises concerns, the evidence hasn’t been sufficiently compelling to alter that consensus. He cautioned that artificial sweeteners might still influence gut microbiota, appetite, and insulin responses due to the body’s reaction to sweetness, potentially affecting metabolism in unforeseen ways.
Cao’s team is planning to validate their findings through studies involving human participants.
Metabolic Implications of Aspartame
Various theories exist regarding why aspartame elevates insulin levels, but the precise mechanism remains unclear, explained Courtney Kassis, a registered dietitian in the Greater Philadelphia area, who is not affiliated with the study.
“Some studies propose that the extreme sweetness of artificial sweeteners may cause insulin levels to spike in anticipation of sugar,” she stated. “However, given that insulin is a pro-inflammatory, fat-storing hormone, this can adversely affect metabolic health.”
This could result in “persistent weight gain, challenges in losing weight, hormonal imbalances, increased cravings, blood sugar fluctuations, and more,” Kassis pointed out.
Shelly Balls, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Consumer Health Digest, stated that different forms of artificial sweeteners influence blood sugar and metabolic functions differently.
“For instance, sucralose (Splenda) has been shown to diminish insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism,” she mentioned. “Aspartame has been linked to elevated fasting blood glucose and A1C levels, whereas allulose and monk fruit are considered diabetes-friendly as they do not impact blood glucose or insulin.” A1C, or hemoglobin A1c, is a blood test that assesses average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months and is a crucial measure of diabetes management and risk.
All artificial sweeteners come with potential risks and side effects, Balls noted.
“Drinking water is always the best choice when possible, but if you require a sweetener, I would suggest monk fruit or allulose for their diabetes-friendly properties and minimal risks,” Balls added.
The best sweetener options are natural foods like maple syrup, honey, and fruit, according to Kassis.
“As a dietitian with over five years of experience working with clients dealing with metabolic challenges, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, or Type 2 diabetes, I recommend minimizing artificial sweeteners as much as practical and choosing real-food sweeteners that provide flavor and additional nutritional benefits.”
