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Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause Migraines?

Can You Get an Artificial Sweetener or Aspartame Headache?

Artificial sweeteners were initially celebrated as a low-calorie sugar substitute. They were introduced as a way to offer sweetness in food and beverages without the same caloric impact as sugar, making them appealing to individuals looking to manage their weight or blood sugar levels. However, over time, debates and studies have emerged regarding their potential health effects, leading to ongoing discussions about their overall benefits and risks. One concern in particular is that artificial sweeteners might cause migraines.

What Are Artificial Sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are manufactured sugar substitutes. Some artificial sweeteners — like sucralose — are made from sugar itself, while others come from plants — like stevia. A few other artificial sweeteners include aspartame and saccharin. They all tend to be much sweeter than sugar, which means you only need a little bit to sweeten things like coffee or baked goods, and they are almost calorie free.

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Are Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Migraines?

The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a little more complicated.

A small study published in Neurology in 1994 concluded that some people may be “susceptible” to aspartame headaches and a 2006 case report published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain investigated a patient whose migraines were “constantly” triggered by sucralose. However, these studies are small, making it difficult to conclude there’s a definitive connection between headaches, or migraines, and artificial sugar consumption.

However, both the Mayo Clinic and American Migraine Foundation list artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame, as a possible migraine trigger, so if you already suffer from migraines, it’s probably best to stay away from them whenever possible.

The Bottom Line

Although everyone’s migraine triggers are different, consider avoiding artificial sweeteners to stay on the safe side. This means being proactive about reading food labels and becoming familiar with the names of typical synthetic sweeteners.

Along with side-stepping artificial sweeteners, keeping a bottle of Excedrin Migraine with you is a great way to fight back against migraines. As the number one neurologist recommended over-the-counter treatment for migraine relief, Excedrin Migraine has been shown to provide relief for some in 30 minutes.

More from Excedrin

How to Deal With a Migraine on a Date

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How to Help Your Partner Through a Migraine

What to Do (and Not to Do) When Your Partner Has a Migraine

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