Aspartame Consumption, Mitochondrial Disorder-Induced Impaired Ovarian Function, and Infertility Risk.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the harmful effects of aspartame on fertility, focusing on its association with infertility risk, ovarian oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Results Summary
Aspartame consumption was linked to increased infertility risk in younger women, disrupted estrus cycles, reduced anti-Mullerian hormone levels, and elevated ovarian oxidative stress due to impaired mitochondrial function. The study suggests aspartame may reduce ovarian follicle reserves and disrupt steroidogenesis in granulosa cells.
Population
840 pregnant women (retrospective cohort) and animal/in vitro models (granulosa cells).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frequent consumption of diet drinks | increase | oocyte dysmorphism | - | - | was associated with | #1 |
Frequent consumption of diet drinks | decrease | decreased embryo quality | - | - | was associated with | #2 |
Frequent consumption of diet drinks | decrease | adverse effect on pregnancy rate | - | - | was associated with | #3 |
Aspartame consumption | increase | infertility risk | younger women | Odds ratio: 1.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 3.22 | was associated with increased | #4 |
Aspartame | increase | the estrus cycle | - | - | disrupted | #5 |
Aspartame | decrease | the anti-Mullerian hormone level | - | - | reduced | #6 |
Aspartame treatment | decrease | antioxidative activities | - | - | suppressed | #7 |
Aspartame treatment | increase | oxidative stress in the ovaries and granulosa cells | - | - | resulted in higher | #8 |
Aspartame | decrease | mitochondrial function (maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and ATP production capacity) | - | - | induced decline in | #9 |
Aspartame | increase | mitochondrial biogenesis | - | - | triggered | #10 |
Aspartame | decrease | fertility by reserving fewer follicles in the ovary | - | - | may alter | #11 |
Aspartame | decrease | fertility by disrupting steroidogenesis in granulosa cells | - | - | may alter | #12 |
Frequent consumption of diet drinks was associated with oocyte dysmorphism, decreased embryo quality, and an adverse effect on pregnancy rate. We investigated the harmful effects of aspartame and potential mechanisms through which it increases infertility risk through clinical observations and in vivo and in vitro studies. Methods: We established a cohort of 840 pregnant women and retrospectively determined their time to conceive. We assessed the estrus cycle, the anti-Mullerian hormone level, ovarian oxidative stress, and ovarian mitochondrial function in an animal study. We also evaluated mitochondria function, mitochondrial biogenesis, and progesterone release with in vitro studies. Aspartame consumption was associated with increased infertility risk in the younger women (Odds ratio: 1.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.00, 3.22). The results of the in vivo study revealed that aspartame disrupted the estrus cycle and reduced the anti-Mullerian hormone level. Aspartame treatment also suppressed antioxidative activities and resulted in higher oxidative stress in the ovaries and granulosa cells. This phenomenon is caused by an aspartame-induced decline in mitochondrial function (maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and ATP production capacity) and triggered mitochondrial biogenesis (assessed by examining the energy depletion signaling-related factors sirtuin-1, phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α, and nuclear respiratory factor 1 expression levels). Aspartame may alter fertility by reserving fewer follicles in the ovary and disrupting steroidogenesis in granulosa cells. Hence, women preparing for pregnancy are suggested to reduce aspartame consumption and avoid oxidative stressors of the ovaries.