Consumption Of Artificial Sweeteners Research Articles

The artificial sweetener neotame negatively regulates the intestinal epithelium directly through T1R3-signaling and indirectly through pathogenic changes to model gut bacteria.

Recent studies have indicated considerable health risks associated with the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Neotame is a relatively new sweetener in the global market however there is still limited data on the impact of neotame on the intestinal epithelium or the commensal microbiota. In the present study, we use a model of the intestinal epithelium (Caco-2) and microbiota (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis) to investigate how physiologically-relevant exposure of neotame impacts intestinal epithelial cell function, gut bacterial metabolism and pathogenicity, and gut epithelium-microbiota interactions. Our findings show that neotame causes intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and death with siRNA knockdown of T1R3 expression significantly attenuating the neotame-induced loss to cell viability. Similarly, neotame exposure results in barrier disruption with enhanced monolayer leak and reduced claudin-3 cell surface expression through a T1R3-dependent pathway. Using the gut bacteria models, E. coli and E. faecalis, neotame significantly increased biofilm formation and metabolites of E. coli, but not E. faecalis, reduced Caco-2 cell viability. In co-culture studies, neotame exposure increased adhesion capacity of E. coli and E. faecalis onto Caco-2 cells and invasion capacity of E. coli. Neotame-induced biofilm formation, E.coli-specific Caco-2 cell death, adhesion and invasion was identified to be meditated through a taste-dependent pathway. Our study identifies novel pathogenic effects of neotame on the intestinal epithelium or bacteria alone, and in co-cultures to mimic the gut microbiome. These findings demonstrate the need to better understand food additives common in the global market and the molecular mechanisms underlying potential negative health impacts.

Sweet Surprises: An In-depth Systematic Review of Artificial Sweeteners and Their Association with Cerebrovascular Accidents.

Artificial sweeteners have become increasingly popular in today's dietary trends as a healthier and sweeter alternative to sugar. As studies emerge regarding artificial sweeteners, concerns are arising about their side effects, particularly linking them to strokes. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between artificial sweeteners (AS) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). A systematic search of studies indexed in PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted using the keywords "ASB" (artificially sweetened beverage), "Artificial Sweeteners," "Stroke," etc. These studies were screened and filtered according to our exclusion criteria. We reviewed 55 studies published in various journals and further boiled down to finalizing 12 studies for analysis using the PRISMA Statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020. Most studies suggest that there is a positive association between artificial sweetener consumption and CVAs including all types of strokes, particularly ischemic strokes. Poorer outcomes are seen with higher ASB intake. Increased risk is notable among women and black populations. Some studies show no association between ASB consumption and hemorrhagic stroke, however, most suggest a strong link. The current literature shows a degree of variation so it is crucial to consider possible confounders and eliminate them in future studies. Further research is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms, especially in individuals with comorbidities. The results obtained play a role in forming dietary guidelines and alarming the public about the possible health implications, prompting caution regarding excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners, in their daily lives.

Differential Alterations of Expression of the Serotoninergic System Genes and Mood-Related Behavior by Consumption of Aspartame or Potassium Acesulfame in Rats.

The use of aspartame (ASP) and potassium acesulfame (ACK) to reduce weight gain is growing; however, contradictory effects in body mass index control and neurobiological alterations resulting from artificial sweeteners consumption have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the chronic consumption of ASP and ACK on mood-related behavior and the brain expression of serotonin genes in male Wistar rats. Mood-related behaviors were evaluated using the swim-forced test and defensive burying at two time points: 45 days (juvenile) and 95 days (adult) postweaning. Additionally, the mRNA expression of three serotoninergic genes (Slc6a4, Htr1a, and Htr2c) was measured in the brain areas (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) involved in controlling mood-related behaviors. In terms of mood-related behaviors, rats consuming ACK exhibited anxiety-like behavior only during the juvenile stage. In contrast, rats consuming ASP showed a reduction in depressive-like behavior during the juvenile stage but an increase in the adult stage. The expression of Slc6a4 mRNA increased in the hippocampus of rats consuming artificial sweeteners during the juvenile stage. In the adult stage, there was an upregulation in the relative expression of Slc6a4 and Htr1a in the hypothalamus, while Htr2c expression decreased in the hippocampus of rats consuming ASP. Chronic consumption of ASP and ACK appears to have differential effects during neurodevelopmental stages in mood-related behavior, potentially mediated by alterations in serotoninergic gene expression.

The causal association between artificial sweeteners and the risk of cancer: a Mendelian randomization study.

Artificial sweeteners (ASs) have been widely added to food and beverages because of their properties of low calories and sweet taste. However, whether the consumption of ASs is causally associated with cancer risk is not clear. Here, we utilized the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to study the potential causal association. Genetic variants like single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with exposure (AS consumption) were extracted from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) database including 64 949 Europeans and the influence of confounding was removed. The outcome was from 98 GWAS data and included several types of cancers like lung cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and so on. The exposure-outcome SNPs were harmonized and then MR analysis was performed. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) with random effects was used as the main analytical method accompanied by four complementary methods: MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Sensitivity analyses consisted of heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analysis. Our results demonstrated that ASs added to coffee had a positive association with high-grade and low-grade serous ovarian cancer; ASs added to tea had a positive association with oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers, but a negative association with malignant neoplasm of the bronchus and lungs. No other cancers had a genetic causal association with AS consumption. Our MR study revealed that AS consumption had no genetic causal association with major cancers. Larger MR studies or RCTs are needed to investigate small effects and support this conclusion.

The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Intestinal Nutrient-Sensing Receptors: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?

The consumption of artificial and low-calorie sweeteners (ASs, LCSs) is an important component of the Western diet. ASs play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, dysbiosis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and various inflammatory conditions. Intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors act as a crosstalk between dietary components, the gut microbiota, and the regulation of immune, endocrinological, and neurological responses. This narrative review aimed to summarize the possible effects of ASs and LCSs on intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors and their related functions. Based on the findings of various studies, long-term AS consumption has effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal nutrient-sensing receptors in modulating incretin hormones, antimicrobial peptides, and cytokine secretion. These effects contribute to the regulation of glucose metabolism, ion transport, gut permeability, and inflammation and modulate the gut-brain, and gut-kidney axes. Based on the conflicting findings of several in vitro, in vivo, and randomized and controlled studies, artificial sweeteners may have a role in the pathogenesis of IBDs, functional bowel diseases, metabolic syndrome, and cancers via the modulation of nutrient-sensing receptors. Further studies are needed to explore the exact mechanisms underlying their effects to decide the risk/benefit ratio of sugar intake reduction via AS and LCS consumption.

Investigating the use and awareness of artificial sweeteners among diabetic patients in Bangladesh

Background As with many countries around the world, the incidence of diabetes in Bangladesh is increasing significantly. Whilst there is controversy in the field regarding the health impact of artificial sweeteners in Western communities, the link between sweetener consumption and awareness in Bangladesh has not been established. Methods In the present study, 260 diabetic patients completed a questionnaire survey to investigate the use and awareness of sweeteners and how this links to demographics and potential co-morbidities. Results Findings show that daily artificial sweetener consumption is significantly associated with hypertension but not other co-morbidities such as kidney disease or obesity. We further demonstrate that there is limited checking of artificial sweeteners in food or drink products by participants. the rurality of diabetic participants was found to significantly correlates with lower awareness of any health impact of artificial sweeteners. Conclusions The findings from this study demonstrate that there is a need to increase the awareness of artificial sweetener use in diabetic patients in Bangladesh. Combined with a more robust understanding of the health impact of artificial sweeteners, these findings suggest that there is potential to improve outcomes for diabetic patients by improving this awareness.

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding natural sugars and artificial sweeteners consumption among cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: a cross-sectional study

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding natural sugars and artificial sweeteners consumption among cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy: a cross-sectional study

Edulcorantes artificiais: regulamentação no Brasil, implicações tecnológicas na produção de alimentos e na saúde

Sweeteners provide a sweet taste to foods and are used to replace sucrose and reduce caloric value. Acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sodium cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose and neotame are the artificial sweeteners regulated in Brazil by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA). The consumption of these additives has become controversial due to recent scientific evidence questioning their safety and outcomes regarding weight loss, dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota, insulin resistance, diabetes and cancer. Even today, little is known about the long-term consequences of their consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to carry out a review of artificial sweeteners regulated in Brazil, contextualizing their regulatory framework, the technological implications regarding their use and the effects on health. Considering the now controversial outcomes regarding the consumption of many artificial sweeteners, and the long period in which levels of acceptable daily intake have been in place, it is suggested their consumption should now not be encouraged, being restricted to population groups that have a risk-based physiological or metabolic need to replace sucrose. Also, for these cases, it would be important to differentiate between foods containing different sweeteners (or tabletop sweeteners), to alleviate possible chronic health effects. New studies with more robust and consistent methodologies are required to support the safety assessment reviews of each artificial sweetener.

Artificial Sweetener Consumption Increasing Type II Diabetes Risk Revealed by Gut Microbiome

Artificial sweeteners, low-caloric sugar substitutes, are widely applied in modern food industry and regularly consumed by people. However, recent studies have shown the increasing disease risk by consuming artificial sweeteners, especially metabolic diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of three artificial sweeteners, namely, saccharin, acesulfame-potassium, and stevia on Type II diabetes risk by gut microbiome. The study utilized the 16S rRNA gut microbiome data from rat fecal samples to analyze the gut microbiome abundance, composition, and difference between four groups, i.e., acesulfame-potassium, saccharin, stevia, and control group. The most significant gut microbiota changes were identified and used to determine whether the altered bacteria taxa have correlation with glucose intolerance and Type II diabetes. In the end, it is found that the Faecalibacillus genus and Prevotellax genus have significant changes and are closely related with higher risk of Type II diabetes, suggesting acesulfame-potassium and saccharin consumption may increase diabetic risk via altering gut microbiome, while no bacteria taxa change in stevia group is found to be related with glucose intolerance or Type II diabetes. This gut microbiome-based study revealed the key disrupted gut microbiota by artificial sweeteners that were associated with Type II diabetes.

Long-Term Consumption of Sucralose Induces Hepatic Insulin Resistance through an Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2-Dependent Pathway.

Sugar substitutes have been recommended to be used for weight and glycemic control. However, numerous studies indicate that consumption of artificial sweeteners exerts adverse effects on glycemic homeostasis. Although sucralose is among the most extensively utilized sweeteners in food products, the effects and detailed mechanisms of sucralose on insulin sensitivity remain ambiguous. In this study, we found that bolus administration of sucralose by oral gavage enhanced insulin secretion to decrease plasma glucose levels in mice. In addition, mice were randomly allocated into three groups, chow diet, high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with sucralose (HFSUC), to investigate the effects of long-term consumption of sucralose on glucose homeostasis. In contrast to the effects of sucralose with bolus administration, the supplement of sucralose augmented HFD-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, determined by glucose and insulin tolerance tests. In addition, we found that administration of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 inhibitor reversed the effects of sucralose on glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in mice. Moreover, blockade of taste receptor type 1 member 3 (T1R3) by lactisole or pretreatment of endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitors diminished sucralose-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. Taken together, sucralose augmented HFD-induced insulin resistance in mice, and interrupted insulin signals through a T1R3-ERK1/2-dependent pathway in the liver.

Consumption of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners and risk of cancer in the Spanish multicase-control study (MCC-Spain).

Use of artificial sweeteners (AS) such as aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin and sucralose is widespread. We evaluated the association of use of aspartame and other AS with cancer. In total 1881 colorectal, 1510 breast, 972 prostate and 351 stomach cancer and 109 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cases and 3629 population controls from the Spanish Multicase-Control (MCC-Spain) study were recruited (2008-2013). The consumption of AS, from table-top sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages, was assessed through a self-administered and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Sex-specific quartiles among controls were determined to compare moderate consumers (<third quartile) and high consumers (≥ third quartile) vs non consumers (reference category), distinguishing aspartame-containing products and other AS. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted OR and 95%CI, and results were stratified by diabetes status. Overall, we found no associations between the consumption of aspartame or other AS and cancer. Among participants with diabetes, high consumption of other AS was associated with colorectal cancer (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.05-2.41, P trend = .03) and stomach cancer (OR = 2.27 [0.99-5.44], P trend = .06). High consumption of aspartame, was associated with stomach cancer (OR = 2.04 [0.7-5.4], P trend = .05), while a lower risk was observed for breast cancer (OR = 0.28 [0.08-0.83], P trend = .03). In some cancers, the number of cases in participants with diabetes were small and results should be interpreted cautiously. We did not find associations between use of AS and cancer, but found associations between high consumption of aspartame and other AS and different cancer types among participants with diabetes.

Maternal Intake of Either Fructose or the Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame-K Results in Differential and Sex-Specific Alterations in Markers of Skin Inflammation and Wound Healing Responsiveness in Mouse Offspring: A Pilot Study.

Growing evidence has demonstrated that maternal artificial sweetener (AS) consumption may not be a beneficial alternative when compared to sugar-sweetened beverages and potentially leads to metabolic dysfunction in adult offspring. Compromised skin integrity and wound healing associated with type 2 diabetes can lead to complications such as diabetic pressure injury (PI). In this context, the skin plays an important role in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, yet there is limited information on the influence of sugar- or AS-sweetened beverages during pregnancy on developmental programming and offspring skin homeostasis. This study examined the impact of maternal fructose or acesulfame-k consumption on offspring wound healing. Female C57Bl/6 mice received a chow diet ad libitum with either water (CD), fructose (FR; 34.7 mM fructose), or AS (AS; 12.5 mM Acesulfame-K) throughout pregnancy and lactation. PIs were induced in offspring at 9 weeks of age (n = 6/sex/diet). PIs and healthy skin biopsies were collected for later analysis. Maternal AS intake increased skin inflammatory markers in healthy biopsies while an FR diet increased Tgfb expression, and both diets induced subtle changes in inflammatory markers post-wound inducement in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, a maternal FR diet had a significant effect on pressure wound severity and early wound healing delay, while AS maternal diet had a sex-specific effect on the course of the healing process. This study demonstrates the need for a better understanding of developmental programming as a mediator of later-life skin integrity and wound responsiveness.

Artificial non-nutritive sweeteners consumption is able to modulate glycemic control and body composition in healthy or diet-induced obese mice

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are among the most widely used food additives worldwide. Their substitution to sugar is presented as one of the solutions to prevent cardiometabolic disease, especially as they have a sweet taste but very low-energy content. However, several recent studies have questioned their physiological inactivity, which was the basis for their approval by health authorities. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of artificial NNS consumption on glycemic control in lean and diet-induced mice models. Consequently, we evaluated the acute effects of NNS acesulfame-potassium (aceK) and sucralose on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion measured in blood and at the beta-cells pancreatic level of mice. In another set of mice, we compared the effects of aceK or sucralose supplementations to sugar consumption during a 12 week long high-fat (HF) diet. At the end of the 12 weeks of supplementation, we evaluated the influence of these different conditions on glucose metabolism and body fat distribution. First, we reported, in our mice models, that oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) after acute sucralose gavage were improved significantly compared to AceK gavage and control situation (vehicle). These acute effects on blood glucose levels after sucralose ingestion were not directly explained by a significant increase neither in beta cells insulin secretion nor in insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, we further demonstrated that both NNS chronic consumption were able to attenuate significantly the deleterious effect of HF diet on glycemic control (glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity), independently of caloric intake. Moreover, we reported in HF mice supplemented with NNS a lower accumulation of adipose tissue in the inguinal and subcutaneous compartments which was associated with a reduction in body mass in these groups. Surprisingly, our results demonstrate that even an acute consumption of widely used NNS sucralose and AceK is able to alter glucose metabolism. When repeated over time, the consumption of these NNS also seems to be able to reduce deleterious effects of HF diet on glycemic control but also on body composition. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the effects of NNS on metabolic health, but further studies are needed to decipher underlying mechanisms.

Transplacental Transport of Artificial Sweeteners

The prevalence of obesity is increasing, and the origins of obesity and metabolic dysfunction may be traced back to fetal life. Currently, overweight pregnant women are advised to substitute sugar-sweetened beverages with diet drinks containing artificial sweeteners. Recent evidence suggests that the consumption of artificial sweeteners during pregnancy increases the risk of obesity in the child, but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized the transportation of artificial sweeteners across the placenta into the fetal circulation and the amniotic fluid. We included 19 pregnant women who were given an oral dose of acesulfame, cyclamate, saccharin, and sucralose immediately before a planned caesarean section. Nine women were included as controls, and they refrained from an intake of artificial sweeteners. The maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid were collected during the caesarean section, and concentrations of artificial sweeteners were measured using mass spectrometry. We found a linear relationship between the fetal plasma concentrations of artificial sweeteners and the maternal plasma concentrations, with adjusted coefficients of 0.49 (95% CI: 0.28–0.70) for acesulfame, 0.72 (95% CI: 0.48–0.95) for cyclamate, 0.51 (95% CI: 0.38–0.67) for saccharin, and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.33–0.55) for sucralose. We found no linear relationship between amniotic fluid and fetal plasma concentrations, but there were positive ratios for all four sweeteners. In conclusion, the four sweeteners investigated all crossed the placenta and were present in the fetal circulation and amniotic fluid.

Sweets and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Patients Favor Artificial Sweeteners and Diet Foods/Drinks Over Table Sugar and Consume Less Fruits/Vegetables.

While artificial sweeteners are deemed safe, preclinical studies indicate that artificial sweeteners contribute to gastrointestinal inflammation. Little is known about patients' perceptions and consumption of artificial sweeteners in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We surveyed the consumption frequency and beliefs of IBD patients and control participants regarding artificial sweeteners. We surveyed 130 individuals (IBD patients, n = 93; control/non-IBD participants, n = 37) among our tertiary hospital population to determine consumption frequency and beliefs regarding artificial sweeteners (Splenda/sucralose, Stevia/stevia, NutraSweet/Equal/aspartame). A 14-question questionnaire surveyed the frequency of 9 dietary habits, preferences, and beliefs on health benefits of commercial artificial sweeteners, using the following as positive and negative control questions: table sugar, water, fruits/vegetables, and coconut-oil, among others. Despite the similarity in yes/no consumption data, artificial sweeteners (Q4 t test P = .023) and diet (low calorie) foods/drinks (Q4 t test P = .023) were consumed more frequently by patients with IBD than by control participants, while no difference in preference for water instead of juices/sodas was observed between IBD patients and control participants. Conversely, patients with IBD consumed table sugar less frequently than control participants (Q1 t test-P = .09), in agreement with their reporting of sugary foods as cause of symptoms (P < .01). A positive correlation was observed between artificial sweeteners and fresh fruits/vegetables among the first 31 IBD patients (Spearman P = .017) and confirmed with 62 new IBD patients (r = 0.232; 95% CI, 0.02-0.43; P = .031), indicating that artificial sweeteners are deemed a healthy habit in IBD. Excluding fresh fruits/vegetables, multivariate analyses to develop surrogate principal component analysis indexes of healthy habits confirmed that artificial sweeteners consumption follows healthy preferences among our IBD patients (adjusted P < .0001). Consumption of artificial sweeteners correlated with healthy habits, suggesting that our IBD population deemed artificial sweeteners as healthy and/or had preferences for naturally or artificially sweetened flavors and products.

Use of artificial sweeteners and caffeine in a population of Hanoi: An assessment by wastewater-based epidemiology

Monitoring the consumption of artificial sweeteners in the population is essential to help public health authorities understand the level of sugar consumption. There is a gap in knowledge of patterns and levels of artificial sweetener consumption in Vietnam. Using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), this study aims to evaluate the use of artificial sweeteners in an urban population in Hanoi, Vietnam. A total of 184 wastewater samples were collected at two sampling sites in an urban canal, receiving sewage from over 400,000 people in three different periods between 2018 and 2020. The population normalized per capita consumption of the five detected artificial sweeteners varied from 0.87 mg d−1 p−1 (sucralose) to 5.2 mg d−1 p−1 (aspartame). The daily consumption of artificial sweeteners was found to be stable throughout the week, however the consumption of artificial sweeteners was influenced by season with higher consumption in summer. Significant correlations (p < 0.01) were found among levels of artificial sweeteners and caffeine in urban canal samples, suggesting these chemicals had common sources. Population-weighted consumption load of artificial sweeteners and caffeine was compared in Vietnam, China and Australia, and the per capita consumption load mainly depended on the habitual of tea/coffee drinking in different countries. This was the first study that provided information on the artificial sweetener consumption by wastewater analysis in Vietnam. However, several sources of uncertainty (sample collection, population estimation, other sources of artificial sweeteners in wastewater, etc.) were acknowledged in this study. Further investigations on the spatial-temporal variation of artificial sweetener consumption with more intensive sampling scheme in Vietnam are recommended.

Palmyrah palm and its products (Neera, Jaggery and Candy)—A Review on chemistry and technology

The worldwide food sweetener market is projected to be valued at more than 100 billion dollars by the end of this decade, with the Asia-south Pacific region witnessing the highest market share growth. However, with increased awareness about the health hazards associated with the regular consumption of artificial sweeteners and ultra-processed cane sugar, the demand for natural, minimally processed, organic alternatives has also witnessed a surge. Palm jaggery is one such product. Made from the sap of the Palmyrah palm tree, this jaggery is believed to be a suitable alternative to sugar in all forms of food. This review provides a comprehensive look at all the advances made in the production and characterization of palm jaggery and its allied products. The review highlights the research carried out to understand the health benefits associated with consuming palm jaggery and palm candy.

Artificial sweeteners and risk of cardiovascular diseases in the prospective NutriNet-Santé cohort

Abstract Background Artificial sweeteners are widely used today by the food industry as sugar alternatives. Potential adverse effects of these food additives on cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been suggested in experimental studies, but data from studies involving humans remain very limited. Previous cohorts have focused on artificially sweetened beverages. Our objective was to study the associations between artificial sweeteners from all dietary sources, overall and by molecule (aspartame, acesulfame-potassium and sucralose), and risk of CVDs (overall, coronary heart and cerebrovascular). Methods The study included 103,388 participants of the web-based NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009-2021). Artificial sweetener intakes were assessed using repeated 24h dietary records including names and brands of industrial products consumed. Multi-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were performed. Exposure to artificial sweeteners were coded as 3-category variables: non-consumers, lower consumers (artificial sweetener intake below the sex-specific median) and higher consumers (above the sex-specific median). Results Compared to non-consumers, higher consumers of total artificial sweeteners had increased risk for CVD (n = 1502 incident cases, HR = 1.17 [1.01-1.35], P-trend=0.04) and more specifically cerebrovascular diseases (n = 777, HR = 1.34 [1.10-1.62], P = 0.004). Higher consumption of aspartame was associated with increased cerebrovascular diseases (HR = 1.29 [1.03-1.60], P = 0.01). Higher consumption of acesulfame-K was associated with a higher risk of CVD (HR = 1.24 [1.04-1.47], P = 0.02) and cerebrovascular diseases (HR = 1.29 [1.02-1.64], P = 0.1). No association was detected for coronary heart diseases (n = 730 incident cases). Conclusions These findings suggest a direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption and increased CVD risk, in particular cerebrovascular. These results provide key novel information for the ongoing re-evaluation of sweeteners by the European Food Safety Authority. Key messages • In this large-scale prospective cohort (n = 103,388), artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K) were associated with increased risks of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. • These results provide key insights to feed EFSA’s expertise for the ongoing risk assessment of artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners and risk of cardiovascular diseases: results from the prospective NutriNet-Santé cohort

ObjectivesTo study the associations between artificial sweeteners from all dietary sources (beverages, but also table top sweeteners, dairy products, etc), overall and by molecule (aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose), and...

Consumption of Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium Increases Preterm Risk and Uterine Contraction with Calcium Influx Increased via Myosin Light Chain Kinase–Myosin Light Chain 20 Related Signaling Pathway

The consumption of artificial sweeteners has been rapidly increasing, with potentially hazardous effects on human reproduction. This study aims to explore the effect of Acesulfame Potassium (Ace K) and its potential mechanism to induce uterine contraction through in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and clinical observation studies. Used ex vivo and in vitro studies to analyze its effect on uterine contraction and involved signaling pathway. Used the long-term, high-dose exposure to examine Ace K's affection for contractive-related protein expression. By involving a cohort of 613 participants, to assess the dose-responsiveness of Ace K consumption and calculate the odd ratio of Ace K consumption and the relationship with preterm risk. Animal studies show increasing uterine contraction, cytokine secretion, and altered contraction-related protein expression. Human data show that higher consumption of Ace K may be related to early delivery. Long-term high-dose exposure to Ace K can induce uterine hypercontraction, increase cytokine secretion, and alters contraction-related protein expression. These findings suggest that women who suffer from uterine hypercontraction causes painfulness should pay more attention to the zero- or low-calorie soft drinks or food products containing Ace K.