Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Higher Prostate Cancer Risk.

In 2025, Kuiyuan Zhang and a team from Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine analyzed data from public databases to study how artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin relate to prostate cancer. They used computer models and lab tests to find key genes and see how sweeteners interact with cancer cells.

High sweetener use was tied to 46% higher prostate cancer risk in some studies, with lab tests showing sweeteners like sucralose boost cancer cell growth by 15-25% through genes like matrix metalloprotein 11. These compounds may disrupt cell signals, fueling tumor growth, especially in men with high intake.

Cut back on artificial sweeteners in diet drinks and snacks—choose water or natural sugars like honey instead.