Sweeteners, used to replace sugar in many foods and beverages, could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

This is the result of a French study published this Thursday in the

British Medical Journal

.

Despite the omnipresence of sweeteners in our diet, their safety is debated.

In March, a French study already noted that people consuming the most sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K) had a higher risk of cancer.

One sachet of sweetener per day

To explore the link between consumption of sweeteners and cardiovascular risks, the French researchers analyzed the health data of 103,388 French men and women participating in the NutriNet-Santé cohort study, which among other things provided information on their eating habits.

Thus, 37% of participants consumed sweeteners, on average 42.46 mg/day, the equivalent of an individual sachet.

The follow-up extended from 2009 to 2021. The statistical analysis then made it possible to establish a link between the consumption of sweeteners and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, acesulfame-K and sucralose) are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease.

Causal link not proven?

Until now, studies had looked at the link between cardiovascular risk and the consumption of sweetened drinks, but not of sweeteners as a whole.

"These results, in agreement with the latest WHO report, do not support the use of sweeteners as safe alternatives to sugar", concludes Dr Mathilde Touvier, research director at Inserm and coordinator of the 'study.

But the study has limitations.

There are indeed big differences between the different consumers of sweeteners.

The study “suggests a causal link far too strongly […] with a methodology that is not strong enough”, according to Naveed Sattar, professor of medicine in the United Kingdom.

“[There should be] longer-term, larger randomized trials.

»

Did you see ?

A “revolutionary” coffee pod that does away with capsules?

high tech

The Apple Watch is well able to detect a heart attack in its wearer, says a study

  • Sugar

  • Cardiovascular illnesses

  • Health

  • Feed

  • study