18 Feb 2019 --- Opting for artificially sweetened diet drinks two or more times per day could increase the risk of stroke by 23 percent, as well as raise the risk for other CVD outcomes in postmenopausal women. This is according to an observational study published in an American Heart Association (AHA) journal. The findings come at a time where the sugar substitute market has been boosted by rising concern about obesity and diabetes as well as government-imposed pressure that has thrown the spotlight on sugar consumption. However, industry experts have refuted the study, citing a lack of evidence and generalizability.
