A recent study conducted by researchers from Spain’s CIC biomaGUNE and the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute has raised significant concerns regarding the long-term safety of aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, suggesting potential risks to brain and heart health. The findings were published in the journal Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, shedding light on the effects of aspartame at doses previously regarded as safe.
The year-long study focused on addressing gaps in existing research, particularly the use of short study durations and high doses. Researchers administered a low, intermittent dose of aspartame to mice, equivalent to one-sixth of the Acceptable Daily Intake for humans, and monitored the effects over the course of one year. The results indicated gradual changes that became more pronounced over time.
Imaging analyses revealed that early exposure to aspartame led to an initial increase in glucose utilization, which later reversed. By the six-month mark, the brains of mice exposed to aspartame were using approximately 50 percent less glucose than those of the control group. This reduction points to a potential metabolic strain, as the brain relies heavily on glucose for optimal functioning.
As the study progressed, initial increases in markers related to healthy neuronal activity were followed by elevated lactate levels, indicating difficulties in the brain’s energy management. Such imbalances could hinder the efficiency of neural circuits, potentially impacting cognitive functions such as learning and focus. Mice consuming aspartame exhibited slower and less effective performance in spatial memory tasks, with some failing to complete these tasks entirely by the eight-month mark.
Cardiac imaging further revealed a decrease in pumping efficiency and mild enlargement of the heart muscle in aspartame-exposed mice. These changes suggest that less blood and oxygen were delivered to the body with each heartbeat. Even small reductions in circulation can contribute to increased stress on vital organs, including the brain.
Interestingly, while aspartame consumption resulted in approximately 20 percent less body fat among the mice, this came with adverse consequences. Researchers noted increased visceral fat around organs and a reduction in lean mass, patterns typically associated with poor metabolic health.
While this study involved mice and carries the inherent limitations of animal research, it suggests that long-term, low-dose exposure to aspartame may not be as beneficial as once thought. The findings indicate that the duration of exposure, rather than just the dosage, could be a significant factor in evaluating the sweetener’s safety. Current guidelines may not fully capture the potential health risks associated with prolonged consumption.
As public interest in artificial sweeteners continues to grow, further research is necessary to ascertain the implications of these findings on human health. The complexities surrounding aspartame highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of its long-term effects.