Sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages have long been a concern due to their association with health risks. A recent study published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology delves into their connection with atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and rapid heart rhythm linked to various complications. Analyzing data from over 200,000 adults in the UK Biobank over a decade, researchers found that individuals consuming two liters or more of artificially sweetened drinks per week had a 20% higher likelihood of developing AFib compared to those with lower intake. This discovery raises concerns as artificially sweetened drinks are often perceived as a healthier option with minimal calories and sugar.
However, the study emphasizes that reverting to sugar-sweetened beverages is not the solution, as those consuming two liters of such drinks showed a 10% increased risk of AFib. This research, outlined in an American Heart Association (AHA) press release, marks the first to connect both no- and low-calorie sweeteners and sugar-sweetened drinks to AFib. Penny M. Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, FAHA, an AHA nutrition committee member, points out the robust evidence on the adverse effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on cardiovascular health but acknowledges the need for more research on artificial sweeteners.
Additional health concerns emerged during the analysis. Participants with higher consumption of artificially sweetened drinks were more likely to be female, younger, and have a higher body mass index (BMI), with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes. Those favoring sugar-sweetened beverages were more likely to be younger, male, and have a lower socioeconomic status and higher BMI, showing a higher prevalence of heart disease. While the study doesn’t establish causation, researchers caution against excessive consumption of sweetened beverages, both artificial and sugar-based.
Lead author Ningjian Wang, MD, PhD, recommends reducing or avoiding both artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages based on the findings. The study does not definitively conclude that one type poses more health risks than the other, given the complexity of dietary factors. As an observational study, it cannot directly link these beverages to AFib, but the association persists even when considering genetic susceptibility. Researchers emphasize the importance of limiting sweetened beverage intake and suggest water as the best choice. Additionally, moderate consumption of unsweetened fruit juice is proposed as an alternative, with data indicating an 8% lower risk of AFib for those drinking one liter or less weekly.
