Science

Study Links Artificial Sweeteners to Increased Atrial Fibrillation Risk

A study found a potential link between consuming drinks with artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), with individuals who consumed low-calorie drinks having a 20% higher risk of AF compared to those who drank beverages with added sugar.

At a glance

  • A new study suggests a link between artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • Consuming low-calorie drinks is associated with a 20% higher risk of AF.
  • Drinking pure juice linked to 8% lower risk of AF.
  • Individuals who consumed artificial sweeteners more likely to be female, younger, and have higher BMI.
  • Limiting or avoiding no- and low-calorie sweetened beverages may be beneficial for heart health.

The details

A new study suggests that there may be a link between the consumption of drinks with artificial sweeteners and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart condition.

The study, which analyzed data from over 200,000 UK adults, found that individuals who consumed low-calorie drinks had a 20% higher risk of AF, while those who drank beverages with added sugar had a 10% higher risk.

On the other hand, drinking pure juice was associated with an 8% lower risk of AF.

The study specifically looked at orange, cola, and fruit mix carbonated drinks.

It also found that individuals who consumed artificial sweeteners were more likely to be female, younger, and have a higher body mass index (BMI), while those who had sugary drinks were more likely to be male, younger, and have a higher BMI. Smokers who drank sugary drinks had a 31% higher risk of AF.

The UK Government recommends that adults should not consume more than 30g of sugar per day, and water is recommended as the best choice for beverages.

The study did not consider milk, tea, and coffee as sweetened drinks.

The mechanisms linking sweetened drinks and AF risk remain unclear, and more research is needed to understand the health consequences of artificial sweeteners.

The study, which had a 10-year follow-up period, identified 9,362 cases of AF during that time.

It also highlighted that diets high in sugar are linked to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases, emphasizing the importance of cutting back on sugar-sweetened drinks to reduce sugar intake.

In conclusion, while more studies are needed to definitively link AF and sweetened drinks, the current research suggests that limiting or avoiding no- and low-calorie sweetened beverages may be beneficial for heart health.

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independent.co.uk
– Research suggests drinks with artificial sweeteners may be linked to increased risk of heart condition
– A study found those who drank low-calorie drinks had 20% higher risk of atrial fibrillation
– Those who drank beverages with added sugar had 10% higher risk of AF
– Drinking pure juice was associated with 8% lower risk of AF
– Orange, cola, and fruit mix carbonated drinks were studied
– UK Government recommends adults have no more than 30g of sugar per day
– Study analyzed data from over 200,000 UK adults
– During 10-year follow-up, there were 9,362 cases of AF
– Those who consumed artificial sweeteners were more likely to be female, younger, have higher BMI
– People who had sugary drinks were more likely to be male, younger, have higher BMI
– Smokers who drank sugary drinks had 31% higher risk of AF
– Milk, tea, and coffee were not considered sweetened drinks in the study
– Mechanisms linking sweetened drinks and AF risk remain unclear
– More research is needed on the health consequences of artificial sweeteners
– Water is recommended as the best choice for beverages
– No- and low-calorie sweetened beverages should be limited or avoided
– More studies are needed to definitively link AF and sweetened drinks
– Diets high in sugar are linked to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases
– Cutting back on sugar sweetened drinks is recommended to reduce sugar intake.

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