New Study Links Aspartame to Heart Disease — Should You Be Concerned?

That fizzy, calorie-free can of diet soda might seem like a guilt-free indulgence, but a new study out of Sweden suggests it could come with a hidden cost: a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Scientists from the Karolinska Institute found that aspartame, the artificial sweetener commonly found in diet sodas, candy, and even ketchup, may contribute to fatty plaque buildup in arteries.

Diet Soda and Your Heart: A Risky Sip?

In their study, researchers fed mice the equivalent of three cans of diet soda per day for 12 weeks. The results? The aspartame-fed mice developed more artery-clogging plaque and inflammation — both major red flags for heart disease. The culprit appears to be a protein called CX3CL1, which acts like glue, trapping harmful substances inside blood vessels.

Of course, some experts urge caution before declaring aspartame the enemy. "This seems like worrying findings but of course, before it can taken seriously, the findings have to be replicated in man," said Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow, as reported by Daily Mail. So, while it might not be time to swear off diet soda forever, it's worth reconsidering that Diet Coke^®.

Aspartame: Harmless or Health Hazard?

Aspartame has been around for over 40 years, approved by agencies worldwide, including the FDA, European Food Safety Authority, and Health Canada. And while its safety has been extensively reviewed, concerns linger. According to the Daily Mail, The World Health Organization recently classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans," though they emphasized that the risk is minimal unless consumed in extreme amounts — think 14 cans of diet soda per day for an average-sized adult.

Weight loss? Appetite control? Metabolism boost? Research on aspartame's effects is all over the place. Some studies link it to increased body fat and glucose intolerance, while others find no impact at all. Confused? You're not alone.

One thing experts do agree on is that long-term research in humans is still needed. "Reducing their intake could be a simple yet powerful step to protect ourselves from heart attacks and strokes," advised Dr. Yutang Wang, a biomedical sciences expert at Federation University Australia, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Looking for a Healthier Sweet Fix?

If this all has you rethinking your daily Diet Coke habit, don't worry — there are plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without relying on aspartame. Here are some simple swaps from Registered Dietician, Molly Kimball:

Instead of Diet Soda: Try stevia-sweetened drinks like Zevia^®, or sparkling water with natural flavor extracts (fans of Topo Chico^® with dark cherry extract swear it tastes like Diet Dr Pepper^®!).

Instead of Crystal Light^®: Opt for True Lemon Crystallized Juice Packets or Ultima Electrolyte Replenisher^® for a burst of flavor without artificial sweeteners.

Instead of Sugar-Free Gum: Brands like PÜR^® and Simply Gum^® use xylitol, a natural alternative to aspartame.

Instead of Equal^® Packets: Swap in monk fruit or stevia sweetener packets for a plant-based option.

Instead of Sugar-Free Jell-O^®: Simply Delish^® offers plant-based, aspartame-free gelatin alternatives.

What's the Verdict?

The jury is still out on just how dangerous aspartame really is, but one thing's clear: moderation is key. If you love your diet drinks, cutting back might be a smart move for your heart. If you're ready to ditch aspartame altogether, healthier alternatives are out there.

References: Artificial sweetener found in Diet Coke and chewing gum could trigger heart attacks, study suggests | Is aspartame safe, and what are its side effects and health risks? | The Best Aspartame-Free Alternatives for Your 5 Favorite Products