An artificial sweetener used in sugar-free drinks and food has been linked to anxiety after a recent study carried out to test its effects on the brains of lab animals. The scientists found changes in the genes in the mice's amygdala - which processes potential threats and triggers our fight or flight responses. But with mice's brains being structurally very similar to humans, it means that aspartame could be creating a similar effect on people. Aspartame has been used in diet drinks and food since the 1980s, with a regular 330ml can of Coke Zero usually containing around 180-200mg. Usually you see subtle changes.”Researchers said the findings could now pave the way for testing diet drinks' effects of humans.

Source: Daily Nation December 19, 2022 16:01 UTC