Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar Substitutes May Be Harmful to Your Health
May 5, 2009 Loraine R. Degraff
Refined sugar has only been a part of the human diet since the 1500's. It quickly became a popular commodity and, not long after, tooth decay became a major problem in the United States. In an attempt to curb this dental epidemic, many have resorted to artificial sweeteners.
What is an Artificial Sweetener?
Artificial sweeteners, also called sugar substitutes, are substances that are used instead of table sugar to sweeten foods and beverages. These sweeteners are several times sweeter than regular table sugar so smaller amounts are needed to create the same level of sweetness. The main artificial sweeteners are saccharin, cyclamate and aspartame. These substances are often used for individuals with diabetes and has been the subject of much controversy.
Saccharin
Saccharin has been used for practically a century. It was actually developed as a result of a chemical experiment in the late 1800's. High doses of saccharin have been associated with an increase in bladder cancer but experts claim that low amounts used by adults are considerably safe. In the 1970's, congress required that all food containing saccharin carry a warning label. Saccharin has since been cleared from all claims of being a carcinogen, but is still scrutinized by many health conscious individuals. Saccharin is 300-500 times sweeter than sugar and is excreted by the kidneys as the body cannot absorb nor use it for energy.
Aspartame
Aspartame was also a laboratory discovery and was not approved by the FDA until 1981. Multiple tests had been conducted to show that the substance did not cause cancer or other adverse effects in laboratory animals. Aspartame contains the same amount of calories as sugar but it is about 200 times sweeter. Unlike saccharin, aspartame loses its ability to sweeten when cooked or exposed to certain acids. Many individuals prefer aspartame to saccharin because it does not possess a bitter aftertaste. Aspartame should be avoided by persons with epilepsy and it is still questionable whether individuals suffering from migraine headaches can safely use this substance.
Cyclamate
Cylamate was popular in the United States for a brief period of time but was banned after studies linked the substance to bladder cancer. Upon reexamination of the issues surrounding cyclamate and the analysis of additional data, scientists concluded that cyclamate was neither a carcinogen or a co-carcinogen. A petition is currently filed with the FDA for the reinstatement of cyclamate as an artificial sweetener. It is presently being used in several other countries. Cyclamate is about 30-50 times sweeter than sugar and does not have a bitter aftertaste.
Are They Safe?
According to the Calorie Control Council, approximately 200 million Americans consume artificial sweeteners daily. Even in the midst of this great number, it is unclear whether they have negative health effects.
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