In a new study, researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine discovered that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, has been linked to cause anxiety. The researchers were at first interested in previous research by the Bhide lab about transgenerational effects of nicotine on mice. Researchers at Bhide lab discovered that nicotine affected mice sperm cells, causing the body to read DNA sequences differently. This study inspired the researchers to look into the effects of artificial sweeteners.
Aspartame is an official sweetener used in many food and beverages since it provides more sweetness for less quantity when compared to sugar. It was approved by the FDA in 1981 and now about 3,000- 5,000 metric tons are being consumed each year. When aspartame is ingested, it becomes aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol, all which impact the central nervous system negatively.
In the study, they had the mice ingest the aspartame by placing it in their drinking water. The dosage of their aspartame was 15% of the FDA-approved maximum daily intake for humans. The quantity was equivalent to 6 to 8 8-ounce cans of diet soda a day. The duration for this study was 12 weeks during a course of 4 years.
As a result, they observed anxiety-like behaviors when the mice consumed aspartame. Once diazepam was administered, a common medication for anxiety, the behaviors of anxiety ceased. Additionally, much to the researcher’s surprise, they discovered that the anxiety phenotype from male mice who were exposed to aspartame, were found in the next two generations of their descendants.
Doctors mainly focused on how aspartame can lead to weight gain and health risks, but through this study we see how it can also be a risk for mental health. It has been recommended to monitor the quantity of aspartame consumption in daily life as it can not only affect you, but also your offsprings.
References:
“Common Sweetener Linked to Increased Anxiety in Mice.” Neuroscience from Technology Networks, Florida State University, 9 Dec. 2022, https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/common-sweetener-linked-to-increased-anxiety-in-mice-368325.
Jones SK, McCarthy DM, Vied C, Stanwood GD, Schatschneider C, Bhide PG. Transgenerational transmission of aspartame-induced anxiety and changes in glutamate-GABA signaling and gene expression in the amygdala. PNAS. 2022;119(49):e2213120119. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2213120119