NON-NUTRITIVE SWEETENERS AND CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES: AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF LONGITUDINAL COHORT STUDIES

Abstract Context: The prevalence of obesity has led to a surge in public health initiatives aimed at curbing caloric intake and managing weight. As a result, the utilization of non-nutritive sweeteners has become more widespread globally. Preliminary findings indicate that these compounds can affect cardiovascular health adversely. Despite rising sweetener use, the cardiovascular effects are unknown. The present investigation evaluated the association between sweetener consumption and cardiovascular events. Longitudinal cohort studies were reviewed and meta-analyzed by us. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library provided language- and publication-neutral data. Myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality were the primary outcomes. Hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular risk factors were secondary outcomes. The study adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Results: This study synthesized the literature on sweetener intake and cardiovascular outcomes. The findings were categorized based on the type of sweetener used, the amount administered, the length of exposure, and the demographic features of the subjects. The quality of the studies, consistency of the evidence, and potential for confounding and bias were considered when interpreting the findings. Conclusion: This comprehensive inquiry has provided substantial insights into the plausible cardiovascular impacts of the intake of non-nutritive sweeteners. The results of an extensive meta-analysis of longitudinal cohort studies suggest a plausible association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The results presented in this study hold significant importance in shaping the ongoing discussion on dietary guidelines, public health initiatives, and personal dietary decisions, all aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health outcomes. The findings of the research highlight the necessity for additional investigation to enhance the comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms that support these observed associations. It is imperative to investigate the potential diverse impacts of different types of sweeteners. Based on a meticulous analysis of the available evidence, a potential association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and adverse cardiovascular outcomes has been suggested. Further investigation is required to fully comprehend the nature and extent of this correlation.