Are artificial sweeteners safe?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:The average American consumes 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners each year. Sugar substitutes are added to nearly 6,000 products sold in the United States, including baby foods, frozen dinners, and even yogurts. Examine the health risks linked to artificial sweeteners. They’re not always the healthier option.
- Sucralose (includes Splenda brand): It is 500 times sweeter than sucrose, stored in body fats, and does not affect blood sugar levels. Its use is too new to know the long-term effects, but it appears the most promising and is the best one for cooking.
- Aspartame (includes Equal, Nutrasweet brands): Several studies have found it has adverse health effects. This sweetener stays in your body longest, and it cannot be heated -- or it turns into formaldehyde.
- Saccharin (includes Sweet’N Low brand): Long-term data suggest it may be one of the safest sweeteners, even if some of the data is not positive.
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulThe average American consumes 24 pounds of artificial sweeteners each year. Sugar substitutes are added to nearly 6,000 products sold in the United States, including baby foods, frozen dinners, and even yogurts. Examine the health risks... More -
Dr. Lindsey Duncan answered:In my opinion, artificial sweeteners are the worst possible sweeteners to consume. There are numerous studies that touch on various health issues and side effects associated with the consumption of artificial sweeteners. I strongly suggest avoiding these artificial sweeteners at all costs:
- Aspartame: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that's sold under the names of Equal and NutraSweet. Some studies have shown that aspartame may be carcinogenic and may affect brain function as well as contribute to health issues such as diabetes, birth defects and epilepsy.
- Sucralose: Sucralose (also known as Splenda) is made by chlorinating sugar. Some side effects that may be associated with sucralose or Splenda are skin rashes, irritability, dizziness, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues and stomach pain.
- Saccharin: Saccharin is also sold under the name Sweet 'N Low. It's a possible carcinogen, and various studies have shown that side effects from saccharin may include headaches, skin conditions, sensitivity to light, nausea, diarrhea and irritability.
- Acesulfame K (Ace K): Acesulfame K is a blend of aspartame with acesulfame potassium, and is sweeter than either of the two sugar substitutes on their own. There are multiple safety concerns regarding Ace K, including the possibility of it being a carcinogen.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulIn my opinion, artificial sweeteners are the worst possible sweeteners to consume. There are numerous studies that touch on various health issues and side effects associated with the consumption of artificial sweeteners. I strongly suggest... More -
RealAge answered:Because most artificial sweeteners are relatively new to the food scene -- especially sucralose -- the long-term effects of regular consumption are still unknown. Current studies show that consuming these products in moderation won't hurt you. But more time is needed to determine whether there are any problems with these sweeteners when used long term.
There is still a great deal of public controversy surrounding the safety of several sugar substitutes. For example, even though there is no dependable evidence that aspartame has toxic effects at doses that would be expected in normal consumption, some people who are sensitive to aspartame have reported headache, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and more pronounced symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Researchers are continuing to look for any signs that aspartame or any other artificial sweetener may be harmful for human health.Because most artificial sweeteners are relatively new to the food scene -- especially sucralose -- the long-term effects of regular consumption are still unknown. Current studies show that consuming these products in moderation won't hurt... More
