A growing body of evidence indicates that artificial sweeteners, which have long been promoted as a healthier substitute for sugar, promising fewer calories while retaining sweetness, may actually be harmful to one’s health, especially when consumed frequently. One of the most widely used artificial sweeteners, aspartame, can be found in diet sodas, chewing gum, yogurt, ice cream, and breakfast cereals. These goods are readily accessible globally, and their use is also increasing in Nigeria, where a large number of individuals use diet sodas and sugar-free items to help them manage their weight and Diabetes prevention.
Numerous studies have linked artificial sweeteners to a number of metabolic and cardiovascular problems, raising worries about their possible negative health implications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), aspartame and other artificial sweeteners may raise the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In a 2023 study by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), aspartame was categorized as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) due to limited evidence connecting it to hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer.
Popular household items also contain artificial sweeteners.
This indicates that even while a direct causal relationship has not been proven, there is enough reason for concern to call for caution when consuming and an additional study. Meanwhile, many people in Nigeria opt for diet sodas, believing they are a healthier alternative to regular sugary sodas. These individuals are often ignorant to the fact that frequent intake could have long-term health consequences. Further supporting this assertion is a 2022 research published by BMJ, which examined data from over 100,000 participants.
It found that people who consume artificial sweeteners frequently were 18% more likely to suffer from cerebrovascular illnesses, such as strokes, and 9% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. This is especially troubling in Nigeria, where Heart Disease and stroke are among the top contributors to the country’s mortality rate. Beyond beverages, popular household items also contain artificial sweeteners. Many Nigerians, especially those trying to reduce sugar intake, use sugar-free chewing gums, which contain aspartame. Also, several imported brands of ice creams, breakfast cereals, and low-fat yogurts contain artificial sweeteners.
WHO concludes artificial sweeteners may have health risks.
Given the widespread use of these goods, Nigerian Public Health officials should be more concerned about the possible health hazards linked to prolonged consumption of artificial sweeteners. In response to these worries, the WHO updated its non-sugar sweetener (NSS) guidelines, recommending against using them to lower the risk of noncommunicable diseases or regulate weight. The WHO concluded that artificial sweeteners do not offer long-term benefits in terms of lowering body fat and may, in fact, actually have a harmful impact on health.
Particularly, this recommendation is pertinent in Nigeria, where rising rates of diabetes and obesity are caused by dietary changes and processed food intake. In contrast to old beliefs, which often prompt many Nigerians to turn to these sugar substitutes as a way to manage their weight or blood sugar levels, the evidence suggests that they may not be the risk-free sugar alternatives they were once thought to be. Considering the potential risks, it is important for Nigerians to be more conscious of their dietary choices.
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Rather than relying on these sugar substitutes, individuals are advised to opt for natural sweeteners like honey, dates, and fruits, which offer sweetness and vital minerals. Health experts have cautioned that consuming these sugar substitutes should be done with utmost caution, recommending people to use natural sweeteners wherever possible. As research continues to uncover potential health risks, consumers are encouraged to be mindful of their dietary choices and consider reducing their reliance on sugar substitutes.