Aspartame is one of the most common artificial sweeteners, found in soft drinks, chewing gum, and even some medications. It’s a popular choice for those looking to cut back on sugar without giving up sweetness. However, new scientific findings raise important questions: is this sugar substitute really as safe as it’s believed to be?
A team of researchers from Spain conducted a large-scale experiment, adding small doses of aspartame to the diet of laboratory mice over the course of a year. Notably, the amount used was far below the officially permitted daily intake for humans—only about one-sixth of the maximum level set by the World Health Organization.
The results were mixed. On one hand, the mice that received aspartame lost weight and reduced their body fat percentage. On the other, they began to show signs of declining heart and brain function, raising serious concerns among scientists about the long-term effects of even small amounts of this sweetener.
Effects on the heart
During observations, specialists recorded a decrease in the efficiency of heart muscle function in animals that consumed aspartame. The hearts of these mice pumped blood less effectively and also showed small but noticeable changes in tissue structure. Such signs may indicate increased strain on the organ and potential risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers emphasize that even occasional and moderate consumption of aspartame can trigger such changes. This calls into question current recommendations regarding the safe level of artificial sweetener intake.
Changes in brain function
Equally concerning results were observed in the analysis of brain health. At the start of the experiment, mice experienced a sharp spike in glucose flow to the brain, but by the end of the year this indicator had significantly decreased. Glucose is the main source of energy for nerve cells, and its lack can negatively affect cognitive functions.
Indeed, animals regularly given aspartame performed worse on memory and learning tasks. They were slower to navigate mazes and showed signs of decreased mental activity. Scientists note that these effects were less pronounced than in previous studies with higher doses, but even such ‘mild’ changes raise questions about the product’s safety.
Possible consequences
The authors of the study note that their experiment was conducted only on male mice, and that the effects of aspartame may depend on age and other factors. Nevertheless, their findings add to the growing body of scientific evidence that artificial sweeteners are not always a harmless alternative to sugar.
Previous publications have already linked aspartame consumption to changes in brain function, an increased risk of dementia, as well as liver and cardiovascular issues. Although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established, experts recommend caution, especially for children and adolescents, who may be more susceptible to the effects of such substances.
Safety in question
A key finding by the researchers is that even doses of aspartame within officially approved limits can affect vital organs. This could prompt a review of current standards and recommendations for its use in the food industry.
It remains unclear how applicable the mouse study results are to humans. However, scientists emphasize that, as artificial sweeteners grow in popularity, it is essential to continue studying their long-term health effects.
In case you didn’t know, aspartame was first synthesized in 1965 and has since been widely used in the food industry worldwide. It is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose, allowing only minimal amounts to achieve the desired taste. Despite numerous studies, debates over the safety of aspartame have persisted for decades. In recent years, attention to this substance has increased following publications about potential health risks, prompting a review of several national and international standards.
