Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Reproductive Health Risks in Women, Study Finds
A comprehensive review of human and animal studies indicates that high-intensity artificial sweeteners (HISs), such as aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame-K, may pose significant risks to female reproductive health. Contrary to their perception as inert sugar substitutes, these sweeteners are associated with neuroendocrine disruption, ovarian dysfunction, and gut microbiota-mediated hormonal imbalances. These effects can manifest as altered pubertal timing, menstrual irregularities, and reduced fertility potential, even in the absence of obesity or metabolic syndrome. The impact is compound-specific, meaning different sweeteners can have varying effects, and is influenced by the timing of exposure during development, as well as individual genetic susceptibility and gut microbiota composition. The review challenges the long-standing assumption of reproductive inertness for HISs. 
