Last Updated on January 24, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims artificial sweeteners are responsible for causing a sudden increase in deaths due to heart attacks. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook post has shared a screenshot of an article published on a media website named Slaynews.com. This article claims artificial sweeteners have increased sudden deaths due to heart attacks.
Fact Check
What are artificial sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes used instead of table sugar to sweeten food and beverages. Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than table sugar and are used in less quantity to create a similar level of sweetness. Hence, artificial sweeteners are often considered healthy. A Research published in 2014 shows that Acesulfame K, Alitame, Aspartame, Cyclamate, Neotame, Saccharin, and Sucralose are commonly used artificial sweeteners worldwide.
Are artificial sweeteners increasing sudden deaths due to heart attacks?
Not enough evidence. No evidence shows that artificial sweeteners are responsible for the current wave of increased sudden deaths due to heart attacks. However, prolonged consumption of artificial sweeteners can indeed increase the risk of heart attacks. The same result has been concluded by the 2022 study published in BMJ referred to by the article on Slaynews.com.
We also found enough scientific evidence that informs people to consume artificial sweeteners in moderation and after consulting an experienced doctor.
Dr. Kashyap Dakshini, General Physician practicing in Mumbai informs that ‘published scientific papers do suggest a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, this is a controversial topic as the available data is not enough. Also this topic is currently being re-evaluated by reputed Food Safety Authorities and other health agencies’.
The evidence also informs that the current surge in sudden deaths due to heart attacks is related to the Covid pandemic and bad lifestyle. In context with Covid pandemic, the phrase ‘sudden deaths’ also refers to a 2022 documentary ‘Died Suddenly’ which is the title of an error-filled anti-vaccine film making inconclusive claims about the dangers of Covid vaccines. The available evidence is not enough to reach a conclusion.
The use of artificial sweeteners has been linked with various diseases in the past. THIP MEDIA previously fact-checked ‘artificial sweeteners cause cancer’ to show that the statement is nothing but a myth.
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