Latest news with #artificialSweeteners
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts Urge Caution as Study Links This Popular Drink to 2x the Risk of Diabetes
Experts Urge Caution as Study Links This Popular Drink to 2x the Risk of Diabetes originally appeared on Parade. There's nothing quite like a crisp diet soda on a hot day. It's cool, bubbly and somehow so refreshing. Add some lime and you've got a summertime treat. You can even make a dirty soda by adding a little cream. Yum! But a new study is shining light on diet soda's health effects, and they might not be as harmless as they seem. A new study has found that consuming artificially sweetened beverages, which are commonly marketed as the 'healthier' alternative to sugary drinks, could significantly increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers collected data on more than 4,654 adults in the 30-year-long Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. They assessed the diets of participants at the start of the study, then again after seven and 20 years. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Researchers discovered that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of artificially sweetened drinks, like diet sodas or sugar-free flavored waters, were more than twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who rarely drank them. That's a 129% increase in risk, raising serious questions about what we're really sipping on when we go 'sugar-free.'The study adds fuel to the growing debate around artificial sweeteners. Long considered a safer option for those watching their weight or blood sugar, these sugar substitutes may interfere with insulin sensitivity and disrupt gut health, which are two key factors in developing diabetes. While the beverages contain few or no calories, their long-term metabolic effects may not be so benign. Of course, sugary drinks aren't off the hook either. Regular sodas, sweetened teas and energy drinks remain one of the most well-documented contributors to rising diabetes and obesity rates worldwide. Even 100% fruit juices, which many perceive as healthy, can elevate blood sugar when consumed in excess. This new study challenges the widely accepted belief that diet drinks are a safe swap. And while more research is needed to pinpoint exactly how artificial sweeteners may influence insulin response, the evidence so far suggests that moderation—and even reconsideration—is warranted. So, what should you drink instead? Nutrition experts continue to recommend simple, no-frills hydration. Water remains the gold standard, but unsweetened tea and black coffee are also considered safe and beneficial for most people. Infused waters with fruit or herbs can offer a flavorful twist without the potential downsides of sugar or artificial sweeteners. I'm a daily Coke Zero drinker, but after this study, I may be willing to make a change. I do love iced tea!Experts Urge Caution as Study Links This Popular Drink to 2x the Risk of Diabetes first appeared on Parade on Jun 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
People Who Drink This Popular Beverage Have 2x the Risk of Diabetes, Study Finds
There's something about a crisp soda on a hot summer day. If you're on a weight loss journey or trying to cut out sugar, it can be tempting to turn to diet drinks to curb your craving. It makes sense, especially given that high amounts of daily sugar have been linked to weight gain, low energy, and possibly a higher risk of cancer. But as it turns out, diet sodas may not be the better option we originally thought. In fact, they may raise your risk of diabetes in a similar way to regular soda, according to a new study. In the study, researchers looked at the data of more than 4,654 adults from the 30-year-long Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. The participants' diets were assessed at the beginning of the study and then again at the seven and 20-year researchers looked at several factors, but mostly the average intake of diet beverages, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. The researchers then broke the participants up based on the amount of substances they ingested. They then looked at the participants' risk of diabetes. In this case, they defined diabetes as having a fasting glucose level higher than 126 mg/dL, glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher after a glucose tolerance test, an A1C above 6.5 percent, or the use of diabetes medications at follow-up visits. Researchers found that individuals who consumed the most diet beverages had a 129 percent higher risk of diabetes compared to those who drank the least. "Higher intakes of diet beverages and saccharin were associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes," the study authors said. "These findings highlight the need to evaluate the long-term metabolic effects of [artificial sweeteners] on glucose metabolism." People Who Drink This Popular Beverage Have 2x the Risk of Diabetes, Study Finds first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 26, 2025
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Diet soda shockingly linked to devastating disease that kills 100,000 Americans each year
Diet soda might no longer be a healthier option after all. A new study found people who regularly drink the diet alternatives have more than double the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to people who reach for full-sugar beverages. And artificial sweeteners may be to blame. The scientists found that high intake of saccharin - a common zero-calorie artificial sweetener found in diet drinks - could be the main risk factor for the chronic illness, which is suffered by 37 million Americans. The FDA approved the use of saccharin as a zero-calorie alternative to sugar in various foods and beverages in 1977. But saccharin is at least 300 times sweeter than regular sugar and researchers now believe excess consumption may interfere with the body's natural process of utilizing glucose - a sugar the body uses for energy. Based on their findings, study author Lyn Steffen recommended 'limiting the use of any sweetener' and suggested choosing 'unsweetened water, coffee, tea, milk or a small amount of 100 percent fruit juice' for beverages. The researchers examined the diets of 4,654 adults between 1985 to 2015. The participants' average intake of artificial sweeteners, diet beverages, aspartame (a low-calorie artificial sweetener) and sucralose (a synthetic artificial sweetener) were measured in the first year, seventh year and Year 20. The study did not include people who regularly or occasionally drink full sugar sodas. Based on their results, the participants were divided into groups to determine their probability of developing Type 2 diabetes. During this 30-year period, 691 participants developed diabetes. Results showed that the participants who consumed the most diet sodas in the 30 year period had a 129 percent greater chance of developing diabetes than those who barely drank any diet beverages. Additionally, the researchers also found that those who drank sodas loaded with saccharin such as fountain Diet Coca Cola, Diet Dr Pepper and Tab had a 110 percent increased risk of diabetes. No link was found between diabetes and aspartame or sucralose. The observational study did not determine the reason why artificial sweeteners may lead to Type 2 diabetes. However, the researchers believe that consuming excessive diet sodas with artificial sweeteners that are overall much sweeter than real sugar may interfere with the body's metabolism process and lead to excess sugar in the bloodstream. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 36 grams or 150 calories of sugar per day while women should consume no more than 25 grams or 100 calories of sugar per day. However, an 8oz can of Sprite Zero contains 50 mg artificial sweeteners, Coke Zero contains 58 mg and Pepsi Max has 77 mg. Along with this, Diet Pepsi and Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi both contain 111 mg and 118 mg, respectively while Diet Dr Pepper has a shocking 123 mg of artificial sweeteners. Both Diet Coke and Caffeine-Free Coke have 125 mg of artificial sweeteners too. Excess sugar consumption can pave the way for weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease and insulin resistance, which can cause Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition and over 37 million American adults suffer from this form of the chronic illness. The CDC reports that over 100,000 Americans die of diabetes every year. It is caused by either the pancreas not producing enough insulin - a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels - or the body's cells not responding properly to insulin. When you eat sugar, your body breaks it down into glucose, which the enters your bloodstream for energy absorption. To regulate blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps glucose enter your cells for energy. But consuming excessive amounts of sugar can make the body resistant to insulin, meaning it can't effectively use the insulin to lower blood sugar. This leads to high blood sugar levels and a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Medscape
05-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Diet Drinks, Saccharin Tied to Increased Diabetes Risk
ORLANDO, Fla. — Consuming higher amounts of diet drinks and/or saccharin was associated with an elevated risk of developing diabetes, while total artificial sweetener intake, sucralose, and aspartame showed no significant association, according to an analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. 30-Year Study The current analysis, presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, included 4654 adults (54.4% women, 50.1% White individuals) enrolled in the CARDIA study, with a mean age of 24.9 years at baseline in 1985-86. Dietary intake was assessed by the CARDIA diet history at year 0, year 7, and year 20. The cumulative average intakes of artificial sweeteners, diet beverages, aspartame, and sucralose were calculated. Diabetes was defined as a fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, oral glucose tolerance test 2-hour glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL, A1c ≥ 6.5%, or use of diabetes medications at follow-up visits. Associations of incident diabetes across quintiles of artificial sweetener, diet beverage, aspartame, or sucralose intakes through year 30 were assessed with time-dependent multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. The models were adjusted for age, sex, race, field center, education, energy intake, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol drinking, diet quality, and family history of diabetes. Over a median follow-up of 30 years, 691 incident diabetes events occurred. Participants in the fifth quintile of diet beverage intake had a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes than those in the first quintile (hazard ratio [HR], 2.29). Positive associations were also observed for intakes of saccharin (HR, 2.10). Adjustment for waist circumference attenuated the associations slightly, but overall, higher intakes of diet beverages and saccharin were associated with an increased risk for incident diabetes. More Work to Do This study represents a 'first pass,' as the team still has more work to do, including a mediation analysis, explained coauthor Lyn Steffen, PhD, professor of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. 'These findings highlight the need to evaluate the long-term metabolic effect of artificial sweeteners on glucose metabolism,' the authors noted. A previous CARDIA analysis by Steffen's team suggested that long-term intakes of aspartame, saccharin, or diet soda were related to greater volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. 'I recommend limiting the use of any sweetener,' Steffen told Medscape Medical News. 'For beverages, I suggest unsweetened water, coffee, tea, milk, or small amount of 100% fruit juice — a small amount meaning limited calories, not 12- or 20-fluid-ounce containers.' CARDIA is supported by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Steffen declared having no relevant competing interests.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
The Truth Behind Artificial Sweeteners and Other Risks to Consider
Last March, a new study published in the Nature Metabolism journal concluded that artificial sweeteners, like those in diet soda, can make you feel hungrier. The findings state that sucralose, the artificial sweetener studied, "can affect key mechanisms in the hypothalamus responsible for appetite regulation, and that indulging fair amount of artificial sweeteners may "ultimately influence appetite regulation and metabolic responses over time." The latest research on sucralose isn't the first to suggest that sugar substitutes don't always lead to healthier outcomes. In August of 2024, Cleveland Clinic research found a link between erythritol -- a sugar substitute in many baked goods and sweets -- and a potentially higher risk of cardiovascular events like a stroke or heart attack. Published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, the study found that erythritol had a blood-clotting effect, unlike glucose found in regular sugar. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sugar substitute. Though it occurs naturally in some fruits, it's added to foods in much higher amounts. It's also different from other sugar substitutes like aspartame or sucralose. While the study was small and does not prove causation, its findings are important because of how commonly artificial sweeteners and low-calorie sugar substitutes are touted as the healthier option -- particularly to people and who may already be at a higher risk for heart disease. They've also gained some popularity as a keto-friendly option. The findings add to similar existing research on erythritol and cardiovascular risk done by the clinic which was published in Nature Medicine in 2023. Artificial or low-calorie sweeteners like erythritol are often added to foods like baked of this recent news follows the 2023 advice from the World Health Organization to not use sugar substitutes as a means for long-term weight control or management, as it doesn't tend to work. "Many professional societies and clinicians routinely recommend that people at high cardiovascular risk – those with obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome – consume foods that contain sugar substitutes rather than sugar," Dr. Stanley Hazen, senior and corresponding author of the newer erythritol study and chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences in Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, said in Cleveland Clinic news release. "These findings underscore the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to approach sugar substitutes the same way they should approach real sugar: with moderation. The difference, though, is that low-calorie or zero-calorie sweetener options have different health benefits and risks than regular sugar. And because sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners come in such different forms, it makes the health benefit-risk profile even harder to pin down. Here's what to know. nortonrsx/Getty Images Types of alternative sweeteners Before diving into sugar versus sugar alternatives, it's helpful to know what alternative sweeteners actually are -- there are three types of alternative sweeteners, all with their own uses, benefits and drawbacks. Artificial sweeteners are what most people typically think of when considering sugar alternatives: Splenda (sucralose), Sweet'N Low (saccharin), Equal (aspartame) and Sweet One (acesulfame K). Another, called Newtame, uses a less popular sweetener called neotame. These sweeteners can be 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) and they have zero calories, which is why they're called non-nutritive sweeteners. The only exception is aspartame, which does have calories, but the amount is often considered negligible because you need very little aspartame to achieve an intensely sweet taste in foods and drinks. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate that occurs naturally in plants, but they can also be man-made in labs. Most sugar alcohols are processed from sugars and starches through a chemical manufacturing process. They do contain some calories, although not as many per gram as sugar. Some sugar alcohols you may have seen on food labels include sorbitol, erythritol, maltitol and xylitol: They're really common in sugar-free gum, protein bars, low-calorie ice cream and other processed foods, especially diet foods. You can also find some sugar alcohols in dental products, like toothpaste and mouthwash. They're called sugar alcohols because their chemical structure resembles both sugar and alcohol, but despite the name, these low-calorie sweeteners don't contain ethanol, the type of alcohol that leads to intoxication. Novel sweeteners include newer sugar alternatives that are difficult to place in the above two categories. The most recognizable example: stevia. Stevia, or rather stevia extract, is a popular plant-based sweetener with almost no calories. It doesn't have a chemical structure like artificial non-nutritive sweeteners, nor sugar alcohols -- so it hovers in novel sweetener limbo. Other novel sweeteners include monk fruit extract (a zero-calorie sweetener that comes from a fruit native to China) and tagatose (an artificial sweetener that is actually less sweet than table sugar). The Food and Drug Administration considers all of the above sugar alternatives as "high-intensity sweeteners," and they all come with several pros and cons. Benefits of sugar alternatives Sugar alternatives may be one of the most scrutinized food additives around. Like any food additive, they must be authorized for consumption in the US by the FDA. The FDA currently recognizes many sugar alternatives as safe to eat, and research suggests that they can offer health benefits, especially when used for specific purposes, such as keeping diabetes under control. Could potentially help with (short-term) weight loss or maintenance If you're looking to curb your calorie intake to lose weight, but don't want to give up sweet foods and drinks, sugar substitutes are an easy first tool to try: You get the taste you desire, but without the calories. But recent research has reanalyzed this logic and suggests that alternative sweeteners may not always help with weight loss efforts (more about this under drawbacks on alternative sweeteners below). But for people who are cognizant of their overall food and drink consumption, low- or zero-calorie sweeteners may aid in weight loss. In 2023, the WHO put out a statement saying that nonsugar sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and stevia shouldn't be used for longterm weight control. (The WHO says this does not apply to low-calorie sugars or sugar alcohols.) If you are trying to lose weight, it's important that you don't inadvertently replace these calories elsewhere. Having a diet sweet tea instead of a regular sweet tea, for example, may lead you to eat more calories because you "saved" some by drinking the diet beverage. Read more: Can Diet Sodas Cause Cancer? Making Sense of the WHO's Aspartame Classification Help to keep blood sugar under control Sugar substitutes can help people with diabetes satisfy cravings without causing rises in blood sugar like real sugar does. A 2012 statement from the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association says that non-nutritive sweeteners can help people reduce their sugar intake and overall calorie intake when used with good judgment, although the benefits won't apply if you overcompensate and get too much sugar from other foods. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about which sugar substitutes or sweeteners you should look for on food labels so you can satisfy your sweet tooth safely, taking your whole health history into account. Good for oral health If one thing is for sure, sugar alternatives can help with dental health. Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth ferment sugar, which creates acid. The acid wears down your teeth, eventually breaking through the enamel and causing a cavity. Since sugar substitutes don't contain sugar, they can help prevent the tooth decay process. Read more: Can Prebiotic Soda Hurt Your Teeth? Here's what Experts Say Sugar alternative drawbacks Equal is another popular alternative sweetener. The original version uses aspartame, a non-nutritive sweetener that's been scrutinized for decades because of reported side effects, such as digestive symptoms. The science on aspartame and potential side effects is still conflicting, and the WHO labeled it as possibly carcinogenic in 2023. Equal Non-nutritive sweeteners, sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners definitely have their advantages, as evidenced above. They have potential pitfalls, too -- not everything about those colorful calorie-free packets is so sweet. May disrupt your gut health Research has shown that some artificial sweeteners (saccharin and sucralose), as well as stevia, can change the composition of your gut. If sweeteners reduce the number of good bacteria and hamper the growth of good bacteria, you may wind up with an imbalanced gut, which can lead to symptoms like cramping, gas and bloating. This 2019 review of studies suggests that some sweeteners can have negative effects while others, specifically sugar alcohols, may have positive effects. Research in animals has also shown negative changes to gut bacteria after consumption of artificial sweeteners, though more research is needed in humans to determine the true long-term effects of sugar alternatives on gut health. Can cause digestive upset Whether or not sweeteners disrupt your gut microbiome, they are known to cause unpleasant digestive symptoms. Most of this evidence is anecdotal, beginning decades ago with complaints about cramps after consuming aspartame. Though more studies are needed to determine the relationship between alternative sweeteners and digestive distress, research does note that some digestive symptoms may be due to changes in the gut bacteria or the way that alternative sweeteners move through your digestive tract. For now, it's best to monitor your symptoms, if any, when you consume different sweeteners (and stay away from the ones that cause distress). Can actually increase cravings for sweets Alternative sweeteners may have few or zero calories, but that doesn't mean your sugar cravings will stop. Research points out that the desire for sweet foods doesn't depend on the origin of the sweetness, and that people can develop cravings for sweet foods even in the absence of calories, likely because that combination -- sweet taste and zero calories -- confuses your body and disrupts appetite regulation. In one eyebrow-raising animal study, rats were allowed to choose between saccharin-sweetened water and intravenous cocaine, and the vast majority (94%) chose sweetened water. The authors note that the same preference was observed with sugar-sweetened water, so it can't be said that artificial sweeteners are more addictive than sugar -- just that sweetness in general can be highly addictive. Linked to longterm weight gain Some research suggests that artificial sweeteners, despite having few or no calories, may lead to weight gain when consumed frequently over time. One study even showed that drinking artificially sweetened soda coincided with an increase in waist circumference nine years later. Another found that people who used non-nutritive sweeteners had a larger increase in BMI than people who didn't consume non-nutritive sweeteners at an eight-year follow-up, except among people who exercised regularly. The reasoning behind this isn't clear, but researchers think it may have to do with metabolic changes induced by alternative sweeteners or because of compensatory behavior -- that is, thinking things like, "I drank a diet soda so I can have extra cake." The takeaway A little bit of sugar won't hurt you, especially in the form of fruit. If you have a medical condition that may be affected by sugar intake, talk to your doctor about consuming proper portions. Getty Images The current consensus is that scientists just don't know enough about the long-term effects of sugar alternatives -- artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols or novel sweeteners -- to make definitive claims, or whether sugar or alternatives are better in the long term. Both sugar and sugar alternatives are OK to eat in moderation -- what truly matters is that you make smart food choices based on your current health status and medical conditions, as well as how sugar or alternative sweeteners make you feel. After all, food is meant to be enjoyed. It's probably a good idea, for example, to stay away from sugar alcohols if you get the laxative effect. Likewise, you may want to limit table sugar if you tend to get sugar headaches or if you have diabetes. But on the tails on more research on cardiovascular risk and one sugar substitute, it's best to speak with your doctor about which sweeteners to choose if you do buy a lot of food marketed for dieting, low-calorie or sugar-free options. If you're worried about the harmful effects of either -- sugar or alternatives -- a good rule of thumb is that whole food is usually better. Choose an apple over apple juice; choose fresh-squeezed lemonade over a zero-calorie lemonade mix; choose homemade granola over store-bought. Most of all, choose whatever best suits your health needs and makes you happy.
