Caption: A new study shows that artificial sweeteners are linked to several health problems.
Researchers are warning not to reach for the packet of artificial sugar to dump in your coffee or tea as the cons may outweigh the pros.
A new study by researchers from the University of Manitoba’s George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare shows that artificial sweeteners are associated with long-term weight gain and an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
The researchers conducted a systematic review of 37 studies that followed over 400,000 people for an average of 10 years and did not find a consistent effect of artificial sweeteners on weight loss.
Longer observational studies found a link between consumption and higher risks of weight gain and obesity and a bevy of other health issues.
“Despite the fact that millions of individuals routinely consume artificial sweeteners, relatively few patients have been included in clinical trials of these products,” Dr. Ryan Zarychanski, assistant professor, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, said in a statement.
“We found that data from clinical trials do not clearly support the intended benefits of artificial sweeteners for weight management,” he added.
Meghan Azad, Ph.D., assistant professor, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, said that further studies are needed to learn more about the impact of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and stevia.
“Caution is warranted until the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners are fully characterized,” Azad said in a statement. “Given the widespread and increasing use of artificial sweeteners, and the current epidemic of obesity and related diseases, more research is needed to determine the long-term risks and benefits of these products.”
The study was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
