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Sweetener consumption and cardiovascular outcomes: are they helpful or harmful to cardiometabolic health?
Sweetener consumption and cardiovascular outcomes: are they helpful or harmful to cardiometabolic health?
Juan D. Quintero-Ospina 1, Gabriela Urdinola-Hernández 2, M. Carolina Vásquez-Narváez 3, Marthy L. Quintero-Correa 4, M. Camila Padilla 5, Yeives P. Martínez-Pacheco 6, Max J. Bustillo-Orozco 7, Michael Ortega-Sierra 8 
1 Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Barranquilla, Colombia; 2 Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Nacional, Bogotá, Colombia; 3 Departamento de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia; 4 Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia; 5 Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Libre, Cali, Colombia; 6 Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Metropolitana, Barranquilla, Colombia; 7 Departamento de Medicina, Universidad del Norte. Barranquilla, Colombia; 8 Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Hospital Central Antonio María Pineda, Barquisimeto, Venezuela
*Correspondence: Michael Ortega-Sierra. Email: mortegas2021@gmail.com
Abstract
The consumption of refined sugar is believed to be one of the main causes of microvascular and endocrine complications that contribute to vascular damage. Alternatives such as artificial sweeteners have been proposed as a possible solution. However, the evidence has been controversial, with some believing it may be better than refined sugar while others suspect it could be equally or even more harmful. Given that in the general community, there is a belief that artificial sweeteners may be a “healthy” alternative and that their consumption can be excessive, it is essential for healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based literacy. Based on the above, the aim of this review is to analyze the most recent evidence regarding the impact of artificial sweeteners on cardiovascular health. Following a literature search in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases, a consistent trend has emerged over recent years, suggesting a potential risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular outcomes, and mortality associated with the consumption of both natural and artificial sweeteners. Therefore, their consumption is not recommended as an alternative to traditional sugar.
Keywords: Sweetening agents. Cardiovascular diseases. Heart disease risk factors. Myocardial ischemia.
