Don’t Sugarcoat It

You Should Know: A kind of informal consensus has emerged that artificial sweeteners are not good for us. Some evidence seems to support that: a 2024 UK Biobank analysis linked higher intake of ‘non-nutritive’ sweeteners with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality. But a larger body of research complicates that picture.

Going Deeper: A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials (which are better at teasing cause and effect) found that artificial sweeteners actually led to reduced body weight, and had no negative impact on health or mortality risks. Other studies found it had no negative impact on the gut microbiome or appetite, though new research there would help paint a more detailed picture. 

The Takeaway: While some areas need more research, evidence suggests artificial sweeteners are neither particularly harmful nor especially beneficial. It comes down to preference and context. For many, they’re a practical tool for cutting added sugar; for others who’ve already found workable ways to reduce sugar, they may not be necessary.