Increased plasma levels of non-sugar sweeteners in patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis

Abstract

Purpose. The non-sugar sweeteners acesulfame K and saccharin are considered safe, but there is conflicting evidence on their effects on cardiovascular health. Materials and methods. In this explorative pilot study, we measured plasma levels of acesulfame K and saccharin in 15 patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis, 18 asymptomatic patients and 15 control subjects. Fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids were analyzed. Dietary and medical history was assessed. Results. Symptomatic patients had higher levels of acesulfame K and saccharin compared to controls. Acesulfame K was associated with increased leukocyte count. Saccharin was associated with more severe carotid stenosis, as well as lower fecal butyric acid.

Keywords:

• Non-sugar sweeteners
• acesulfame K
• saccharin
• carotid atherosclerosis
• ischemic stroke
• microbiota

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Gunn-Helen Malmstrøm and Jennifer T. Fiennes for analysis of SCFAs, as well as, Johannes Hov, Beate Vestad and Kristian Holm for 16S sequencing of feces.

Author contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Due to data protection regulations in Norway and lack of consent, the data are not deposited in public repositories. However, data will be available upon request to the corresponding author, pending a material and data transfer agreement and an amendment to the Regional committee for medical and health research ethics.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by grants from the South Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority.