Short: Aspartame and Heart Disease: New Research Reveals Concerning Link

Recent research has uncovered a troubling connection between the popular artificial sweetener aspartame and cardiovascular disease. Scientists have identified a specific biological pathway through which aspartame consumption may accelerate atherosclerosis—the build-up of plaque in arteries that leads to heart disease.

The Insulin Connection

According to groundbreaking research by Wu et al., aspartame consumption triggers elevated insulin levels even though it contains no sugar. This creates a paradoxical effect where a zero-calorie sweetener may cause insulin resistance similar to or even greater than that caused by sugar.

In animal studies using mice and Cynomolgus monkeys, researchers found that aspartame increased insulin levels in a dose-dependent manner while simultaneously lowering blood glucose. This combination promotes insulin resistance—a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The Inflammatory Pathway

The research identified a specific mechanism linking aspartame to atherosclerosis:

1. Aspartame consumption increases insulin levels and insulin resistance

2. This elevation in insulin upregulates CX3CL1, an inflammatory molecule on artery walls

3. CX3CL1 acts as a "molecular glue," enabling immune cells to invade artery walls

4. This process accelerates plaque formation and atherosclerosis

Source: Wu et al., 2025, Cell Metabolism 37, 1–14 May 6, 2025 ª 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2025.01.006

Concerning Consumption Levels

The studies used aspartame amounts equivalent to approximately three cans of diet soda—well within common consumption patterns. For context:

• A typical 330ml can of Diet Coke contains 125-200mg of aspartame

• Similar amounts are found in Diet Pepsi and Dr Pepper

• It would take about 20 pieces of Orbit gum to reach equivalent levels

The European Food Safety Authority sets an Acceptable Daily Intake of 40mg per kg of body weight—about 2,800mg for a 70kg adult (equivalent to 14 cans of diet soda).

Wider Context

This research adds to growing concerns about artificial sweeteners. A large cohort study involving over 103,000 participants recently suggested direct links between higher artificial sweetener consumption and increased cardiovascular disease risk. While some studies show no adverse effects on weight or glucose metabolism, the preponderance of evidence increasingly supports caution regarding artificial sweetener consumption.

The findings specifically highlight aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose as potentially problematic for cardiovascular health, challenging the notion that zero-calorie sweeteners represent a heart-healthy alternative to sugar.

More on those in our next blog posts!

References:

• Wu et al., 2025, Cell Metabolism 37, 1–14 May 6, 2025 ª 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2025.01.006

• Debras, C., Chazelas, E., Sellem, L., Porcher, R., Druesne-Pecollo, N., Esseddik, Y., de Edelenyi, F.S., Agaesse, C., De Sa, A., Lutchia, R., € et al. (2022). Artificial sweeteners and risk of cardiovascular diseases: results from the prospective NutriNet-Sante cohort. BMJ 378, e071204. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-071204.

• Marinovich, M., Galli, C.L., Bosetti, C., Gallus, S., and La Vecchia, C. (2013). Aspartame, low-calorie sweeteners and disease: regulatory safety and epidemiological issues. Food Chem. Toxicol. 60, 109–115. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.07.040

This article provides an overview of the new research reveals a concerning link between the use of aspartame and heart disease.

However, it's important to understand that our bodies are influenced by many other factors not covered here, including environmental conditions, gene expression, individual biochemistry, lifestyle patterns, and more. Each person's journey to optimal health is unique and personal.

If you're interested in exploring your own path to metabolic health and overall wellbeing, we at SelfUP and Veek Health are here to support you. Our approach combines scientific understanding with personalised strategies, taking into account your individual circumstances and goals. Whether you're looking to understand your body better or make sustainable health improvements, we'd be delighted to help guide you on your journey.

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