A new study from the American Heart Association reveals a potential link between consuming artificially-sweetened beverages and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious health complications. Published on March 5, 2024, in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, this research highlights the potential dangers of these popular drinks.

Key Findings

The study examined data from dietary surveys and genetic information from over 200,000 adults who were part of the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010. None of the participants had AFib at the beginning of the study. However, over a nearly decade-long period, 9,362 of them developed the condition.

The researchers discovered that participants who drank more than two liters of artificially-sweetened beverages per week had a 20% higher risk of developing AFib compared to those who did not consume these beverages. In contrast, those who consumed similar amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages had a 10% higher risk of AFib. Notably, consuming one liter or less per week of unsweetened juice, such as orange or vegetable juice, was associated with an 8% lower risk of developing AFib.

Dr. Ningjian Wang, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of these findings. “Our study’s findings cannot definitively conclude that one beverage poses more health risk than another due to the complexity of our diets and because some people may drink more than one type of beverage. However, based on these findings, we recommend that people reduce or even avoid artificially-sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages whenever possible. Do not take it for granted drinking low-sugar and low-calorie artificially-sweetened beverages, [as] it may pose potential health risks.”

Mechanisms and Limitations

While the exact mechanisms linking sweetened beverages to AFib risk are still unclear, factors such as insulin resistance and the body’s response to various sweeteners might play a role. Common artificial sweeteners include sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame.

The study has its limitations. It was observational and therefore cannot prove causation between beverage consumption and AFib risk. Additionally, it relied on participants’ memory of their diets, which may have introduced errors or bias.

Implications for Heart Health

Given the projected increase in AFib cases in the coming years—an estimated 12.1 million Americans by 2030—these findings are particularly timely. Reducing intake of artificially-sweetened beverages could be a simple yet effective way to improve heart health.

Opting for naturally less-sweet alternatives like water, herbal tea, or unsweetened seltzer water might help lower the risk of AFib and other heart-related conditions. As Dr. Wang suggests, caution is warranted when consuming artificially-sweetened beverages, despite their low-sugar and low-calorie labels.

While further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between artificial sweeteners and AFib, this study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that moderation and careful selection of beverages are crucial for maintaining heart health.

Credit: EatingWell