The Claim
Artificial sweetener intake is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and this association is not modified by genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease, such that individuals with high or low genetic risk exhibit similar increases in cardiovascular risk per unit of sweetener consumed.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
People who consume artificial sweeteners have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of whether they have a genetic tendency for heart disease; the increase in risk is the same for everyone.
See the scientific wording
The increased cardiovascular risk associated with artificial sweetener intake is not modified by genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease, meaning individuals with high or low genetic risk show similar increases in CVD risk per teaspoon of sweetener consumed.
Artificial sweeteners change the bacteria in the gut, which causes the body to release too much insulin and not use it properly. This leads to high blood sugar over time, which damages blood vessels, causes swelling inside them, and makes plaque build up, increasing the chance of heart attacks and strokes.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that whether someone is genetically prone to heart disease or not, drinking diet sodas or using artificial sweeteners raises their heart disease risk by about the same amount. Genetics don’t make the sweeteners more or less dangerous.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.