Many people turn to artificial sweeteners as a substitute for sugar. It seems like a no-brainer – sweet taste without the calories and without the harmful effects of glucose or fructose. The problem is that most artificial sweeteners have other
downsides. They can only serve to exacerbate sugar cravings, and in the research don’t necessarily help people lose weight. The current paradigm that assumes that diet sodas are okay because they don’t contain any sugar is flawed, as artificial sweeteners may also have negative health effects.

In an article from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, the authors note that evidence indicates artificial sweeteners may increase sweet cravings and enhance appetite. In some striking research of more than 5,000
participants, at least daily consumption of diet soda was associated with a 37% increased risk of metabolic syndrome and 67% increased risk for diabetes! Furthermore, in an analysis of data from the Nurse’s Health Study, drinking 1 or
more regular or diet sodas daily increased risk of having a stroke. One study that examined all artificial sweeteners noted an increased risk for pre-term labor with their use. Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recommends avoiding sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame K.

In a recent study in mice, artificial sweeteners were found to alter gut bacteria leading to glucose intolerance – this means poorer regulation of blood sugar and higher blood sugar levels. The authors present evidence from mouse and human studies that artificial sweeteners may be responsible for increasing the obesity epidemic, the exact thing they were developed to fight. This is another contributor the mounting evidence against artificial sweeteners.

Make sure to read labels to determine whether a food contains artificial sweeteners. Often foods that are labeled as “light” or “sugar free” are sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Look for the following: sucralose, saspartame, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium.

Sugar alcohols can also be problematic for some people, especially those with digestive issues. Sugar alcohols include xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, and isomalt.


    2 replies to "Artificial Sweeteners: Friend or Foe?"

    • Mele

      Why are sugar alcohols bad?

      • Margaret Wertheim

        Hi Mele! For many, sugar alcohols are problematic, because bacteria break them down and can cause gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. Sugar alcohols don’t have the same health concerns as sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.

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