Does aspartame cause insulin secretion?
Disease description:
Aspartame is commonly found in daily life. I'd like to ask the doctor, can aspartame cause insulin secretion?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Aspartame does not directly stimulate insulin secretion, but it may influence insulin levels through several indirect pathways.
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener commonly used in sugar-free or reduced-sugar foods. It does not directly participate in metabolic processes within the body and therefore does not cause significant changes in blood glucose concentrations or directly stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Even if aspartame could trigger insulin release, the amount would be significantly lower than the insulin response caused by consuming an equivalent amount of sugar. For healthy individuals, moderate consumption of aspartame generally does not have a noticeable impact on blood glucose control. However, for individuals with diabetes or reduced insulin sensitivity, it is recommended to use aspartame appropriately under medical supervision.
Nevertheless, aspartame may affect insulin secretion indirectly. During digestion, aspartame breaks down into amino acids, among which phenylalanine may bind to tyrosine hydroxylase in the blood, promoting the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). Serotonin, in turn, can induce pancreatic beta cells to release insulin, thereby indirectly regulating blood glucose levels. Additionally, aspartame may influence appetite and energy balance through effects on the central nervous system, thus exerting some influence on insulin secretion.
Therefore, when using aspartame as a food additive, individual differences and potential risks should be considered, and blood glucose levels should be monitored accordingly.
