Myocardial Hypertrophy and Cognitive Decline Observed in Animal Studies
Limitations in Human Application and Need for Further Human Research
A study has found that regularly consuming carbonated beverages containing artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on heart and brain function. The analysis suggests that aspartame, which is widely used in diet colas and zero-calorie drinks, could be linked to changes in heart structure and a decline in cognitive function.
Researchers from the Cooperative Research Center in Biomaterials in San Sebastian, Spain, announced on the 22nd that their recent paper published in the journal Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy reported myocardial hypertrophy and cognitive decline in mice that consumed aspartame above a certain threshold.
According to the study, when mice were administered 7 mg of aspartame per kilogram of body weight for three consecutive days every two weeks, the risk of mild myocardial hypertrophy, which is a thickening of the heart muscle, increased by about 20%. In addition, the cardiac output of the left and right ventricles decreased by 26% and 20%, respectively. Structural changes in the ventricular septum, which separates the left and right sides of the heart, were also observed.
Neurological changes were also detected. The researchers explained that the experimental group of mice exhibited behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and potential pathological changes in the brain. However, body fat decreased by about 20%, indicating some effectiveness in weight management.
Calls for Re-evaluation of Intake Guidelines...Caution on Application
The researchers stated, "While aspartame reduces fat accumulation in mice, it comes at the cost of pathological changes such as impaired heart and brain function. Even if consumed within the permissible limits, long-term intake could affect the function of major organs, so it is necessary to re-examine safety standards for humans."
Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend a maximum daily intake of aspartame of up to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. Although the dosage administered to mice in this study was lower than the daily allowable amount, some point out that further discussion is needed due to the different pattern of repeated exposure.
However, the researchers acknowledged the limitations that the study was conducted only on animals and over a relatively short period. In response, the International Sweeteners Association (ISA) expressed caution, stating, "It is difficult to directly apply the results of animal studies to humans," and emphasized that "existing large-scale human studies and regulatory agency evaluations should also be considered."
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