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Information on the Safety of Sugar Substitutes

A number of artificial sweeteners have been approved by the FDA to be used in the foods we eat. The sweeteners go through a series of tests before approval. Despite the extensive testing and subsequent approval, some of these sweeteners have been linked to health problems. Because of this, it is probably wise to use artificial sweeteners in moderation.

  1. Significance

    • Artificial sweeteners add sweetness without calories to foods. They are 160 to 13,000 times sweeter than ordinary sugar, so you need only a fraction of the artificial sweetener to achieve the same sweet taste. They contain only a few calories per gram, and the body does not absorb them completely. They are absorbed slowly and not very well by the small intestine. Five artificial sweeteners are approved by the FDA. They are aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, sucralose and neotame.

    Aspartame

    • Aspartame was approved in 1981 and is marketed under the brand names Equal and NutraSweet. It is three times sweeter than sugar and is used in breakfast cereals, chewing gum, gelatins, pudding and beverages. In 1990, aspartame was linked by one researcher to a rise in brain cancer. After extensive testing, no conclusive evidence could be found to support this link. It has also been linked to headaches, depression, cancer and increased hunger. It should not be used with people who have phenylketonuria, which is a rare genetic disorder.

    Saccharin

    • Saccharin was discovered in 1879 and considered safe until 1977, when it was linked to rats developing bladder cancer after they were given high doses. At that time the FDA banned this artificial sweetener and made manufacturers put warnings on the labels. After testing, it was determined that the tumors were caused by the particular biology of the rats and not saccharin, so the ban was lifted. It is sold under the brands Sweet'n Low and Sugar Twin. Saccharin is used in baked goods, jams, chewing gum, canned fruits and salad dressings. Saccharin may cause allergic reactions in some people. Check with your doctor before using.

    Acesulfame-K

    • Acesulfame-K was approved in 1988 as a sweetener and is sold as Sunett and Sweet One. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is used in beverages and for general uses in some foods. Acesulfame-K has not been found to cause any major health problems. The FDA backs its safety with more than 90 studies. It is used in baked goods, frozen desserts and candies.

    Sucralose

    • Sucralose is the only calorie-free substitute made from real sugar. It has been scientifically altered by scientists to change the composition of the product. The safety of sucralose has been questioned by some because it contains chlorine, which has been used in pesticides and disinfectants. It is 600 times sweeter than sugar and is marketed as Splenda. There is a product called Splenda Blend that is half sugar and half sucralose. The FDA approved sucralose in 1998 after 110 safety tests.

    Neotame and Stevia

    • Neotame is a new sweetener. It is 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar. It was approved by the FDA in 2002 after being subjected to more than 100 studies. It is made by the same company that makes NutraSweet. It is derived from aspartame with one chemical change in the composition. It does not have to carry PKU warnings like aspartame. It is used in beverage like Atkins shakes, dairy products and frozen desserts. It has not been found to have any safety issues thus far.
      Stevia is a naturally sweet plant often combined with fiber and sold as a sweetener under the names Sweet Leaf and Honey Leaf. It is not regulated by the FDA because it is considered a food supplement.

    Consideratons

    • Despite the fact that these sugar substitutes have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, studies have linked some of the products to different health problems. Using artificial sweeteners in moderation may help cut daily calories, but it is not the only answer to the problem. If you are concerned about the safety of artificial sweeteners, try simply using less sugar or cutting it out completely. When baking, you can cut the amount of sugar called for in recipes by 1/3 to 1/2 without sacrificing taste. Drink seltzer water with lemon or lime instead of soda. Read labels when purchasing food and choose those with less added sugar.

      If you decide to use artificial sweeteners, discuss it with your doctor and be aware of possible risks.

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