Khaberni - A recent scientific study has revealed disturbing effects of artificial sweeteners on heart and brain functions, indicating that prolonged consumption of aspartame — one of the most common artificial sweeteners — could lead to harmful physiological changes, despite its known role in reducing fat accumulation.
According to researchers from CIC biomaGUNE and Biogipuzkoa HRI Institute, the study was conducted over a full year, during which mice were given very low doses of aspartame equivalent to one-sixth of the maximum recommended daily intake for humans, reflecting the realism of the experiment and giving it an important practical dimension.
Aspartame is widely used in "low-calorie" food products, such as sweetened soft drinks, gum, and baked goods, for its sweetness which exceeds that of sucrose by two hundred times, although its long-term effects are still a matter of scientific debate. The results showed that consumption led to a 20% reduction in body fat accumulation, but conversely, structural and functional changes in heart muscle were observed, along with a decline in cognitive performance in mice, raising concerns about the potential side effects of this substance on human health, especially with chronic use.
The researchers confirmed that the experiment revealed effects not previously described, owing to the length of the observation period and the comprehensiveness of the analyses used, wherein the team utilized advanced imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, molecular PET imaging, as well as brain and liver spectrum analyses, and precise behavioral and cognitive tests. This study is part of a broader research project aimed at understanding the impact of food components on organ functions in health and disease situations, with the goal of providing more precise insights about food safety and guiding public health policies.
The study clarified that consumption of aspartame, even at doses much lower than the maximum recommended, could have unexpected repercussions, calling for a review of the current guidelines related to this substance. It highlighted the need for more long-term studies on humans to assess the potential impacts with greater accuracy, especially given the widespread use of artificial sweeteners in modern diets.
