Aspartame induced dyslipidemia and plasma hyperviscosity in Albino Wistar Rats

Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that has been used for decades in place of sugar. However, there has been conflicting reports on the use and safety profile of aspartame associated with several diseases especially cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study therefore aims to determine the effects of aspartame on some cardiovascular indices. Thirty seven (37) young Albino Wistar rats weighing between 110g-140g were used for this study. The rats were divided into five groups; control (5) received 5 ml of distilled water. Group 1 (n=8) received 5 ml of diet soda, group 2 (n=8) received 5 ml diluted (1:1) diet soda, Group 3 (n=8) received 5 ml aspartame 45 mg/kg b.w, Group 4 (n=8) received 5 ml of aspartame 22.5 mg/kg b.w. The various doses of aspartame and diet soda were administered orally daily for ten weeks. Weight of the rats were taken weekly, at the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected into plain sample bottles and tri sodium citrate bottles. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride) were analyzed spectrophotometrically, fibrinogen and blood viscosity were also measured. Results showed that the aspartame and diet soda significantly increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, fibrinogen and plasma viscosity and significantly decreased HDL cholesterol. In conclusion, consumption of aspartame as a sweetener can impact negatively on cardiovascular haemodymic factors. Therefore, its intake should be discouraged.