Artificial Sweeteners 101
If you or someone you know have not stopped using artificial sweeteners, here are some valid reasons to stop! Artificial sweeteners, or non-nutritive sweeteners as they are sometimes referred to, have been controversial since they were first introduced to the market in the 1950s, and the latest scientific research shows they are associated with many dangerous side effects.
Following is an overview of the most common artificial sweeteners found in products, here in the U.S.
1. Aspartame- (Equal, NutraSweet, NatraTaste Blue)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved aspartame nearly 35 years ago. It’s currently used in more than 6,000 consumer foods and drinks, and over 500 prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
The World Health Organization most recently classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. According to another study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, “A re-evaluation of the current position of the international regulatory agencies must be considered an urgent matter of public health.” This recommendation is due to the study’s findings that aspartame has carcinogenic effects.
This study found that aspartame may impair memory performance and increase oxidative stress in the brain. In addition, if you are pregnant or nursing, avoid this dangerous artificial sweetener at all costs. A recent study points to alarming news for women who consume artificial sweeteners during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It appears that aspartame, in particular, can predispose babies to metabolic syndrome disorders, and obesity, later in life.
Common side effects of aspartame include headaches, migraines, mood disorders, dizziness and episodes of mania. Comprising phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol, these substances can stay in the liver, kidneys and brain for quite some time.
2. Sucralose- (Splenda)
Sucralose, derived from sugar, was originally introduced as a natural sugar substitute. However, in reality, it’s a chlorinated sucrose derivative. Sucralose was originally found through the development of a new insecticide compound and wasn’t originally intended to be consumed.
At 600 times sweeter than sugar, it’s easy to see how the use of sucralose, or Splenda, can contribute to an addiction for overly sweet foods and drinks. Back In June 2014, the Center for Science in the Public Interest placed Splenda in its “caution” category, pending a review of a medical study that found it could be linked to leukemia in mice.
A study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that cooking with sucralose at high temperatures can generate dangerous chloropropanols – a toxic class of compounds. Human and rodent studies demonstrate that sucralose may alter glucose, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 levels. Last but not least, it isn’t biologically inert, meaning that it can be metabolized and have a toxic effect on the body.
3. Acesulfame K- (ACE, ACE K, Sweet One, Sweet ‘N Safe)
Composed of a potassium salt that contains methylene chloride, Acesulfame K is routinely found in sugar-free chewing gum, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, candies and even sweetened yogurts. It’s often used in combination with aspartame and other noncaloric sweeteners.
ACE K has undergone the least amount of scientific scrutiny even though long-term exposure to methylene chloride, a main chemical component, has been shown to cause nausea, mood problems, possibly some types of cancer, impaired liver and kidney function, problems with eyesight, and perhaps even autism.
In addition to sweetening foods, it’s also popular as a “flavor enhancer.” ACE K is heat-stable and routinely found in highly processed foods and baked goods. The human body can’t break it down, and it’s believed to negatively affect the metabolism.
4. Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low)
Way back In the 1970s, saccharin and other sulfa-based sweeteners were believed to possibly cause bladder cancer, and it was required to carry the following warning label: “Use of this product may be hazardous to your health. This product contains saccharin, which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals.”
The FDA removed this warning, but many studies continue to link saccharin to serious health conditions. Sadly, it’s the primary sweetener for children’s medications, including chewable aspirin, cough syrup, and other over-the-counter and prescription medications. It’s believed that saccharin contributes to photosensitivity, nausea, digestive upset, tachycardia and some types of cancer.
So, what are your options when you have a sweet tooth? All natural sweeteners, including maple syrup, coconut sugar, fruit purees and raw honey are great, healthy substitutions. For those watching their blood sugar, Stevia is a good option as a zero carb and calorie product with no artificial ingredients.