"Consumption of artificial sweeteners has health risks, such as increased body weight, metabolic disorders, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to limit your intake of artificial sweeteners and choose healthier foods and drinks.”
Artificial sweeteners that act as a substitute for sugar and have become a common additive in food and soft drinks around the world. Generally, artificial sweeteners make a sweet taste without providing high calories.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the possible health risks. Health Risks With Consumption of Artificial Sweeteners
Some health risks based on guidelines and research by WHO.
1. Weight Gain and Metabolic Problems
Consumption of artificial sweeteners can affect a person's eating habits and cause weight gain. Even though it doesn't contain calories, research shows that excessive consumption can trigger a desire to consume foods and drinks that have a high calorie content.
Ultimately, this can lead to excess weight and metabolic problems such as diabetes.
2. Disorders of Glucose Metabolism
Several studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can interfere with blood sugar regulation and glucose metabolism in the body. Excessive long-term consumption can also increase the risk of insulin resistance which causes an increase in related health problems.
3. Disorders of Intestinal Microbiota Balance
The gut microbiota is the collection of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play an important role in our health. Excessive consumption is associated with changes in the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, which can have a negative impact on digestive health and the immune system.
4. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Due to Artificial Sweeteners
Epidemiological studies have shown that there is a relationship between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.
Excessive consumption carries a risk of systemic inflammation, high blood pressure, and impaired fat metabolism, which are all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
5. Impact on Eating Behavior
Aspartame and sucralose have the potential to influence eating behavior and interfere with satiety signals in the body. Research shows that excess consumption can increase the desire to eat more than usual.
Artificial sweeteners have become a part of everyday life, especially with the increasing production of processed and packaged foods along with diets that tend to choose contemporary foods. It is important to limit the amount of consumption and use it carefully to minimize the health risks that can occur.