Artificial sweeteners found their consumption linked to a 9% higher risk of heart disease.
Researchers found artificial sweetener consumption linked to 20% higher risk of conditions which affect blood flow to the brain.
The study examined participants’ intake of sweeteners from all dietary sources before comparing it to their risk of heart or circulatory diseases.
Participants noted everything they ate and the brands for 24 hours, with the diet diary repeated three times at six month intervals- twice on week days and once on a weekend day
37% of participants consumed artificial sweeteners.
During an average follow-up period of nine years, 1,502 cardiovascular events have been recorded by participants.
This included heart attacks, strokes, transient ischemic attacks and angina – chest pain linked to poor blood flow to heart muscles.
Researchers found that artificial sweetener consumption linked to a 9% higher risk of heart disease.
When they looked at types of illnesses, artificial sweetener consumption linked to an 18% higher risk of cerebrovascular disease.
A specific type of sweetener – aspartame – associated with a 17% increased risk of cerebrovascular events.
Acesulfame potassium and sucralose associated with increased coronary heart disease risk.
“The results suggest that artificial sweeteners might represent a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease prevention”
In the UK, adults eat too much sugar, and this linked to health problems such as obesity and tooth decay.
“The findings indicate that these food additives, are present in thousands of foods and beverages, are not a healthy and safe alternative to sugar.