Effects Of Artificial Sweetener On The Human Brain

Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes that can be used to reduce the intake of sugar in food and drink. Using artificially-sweetened foods and drinks can help reduce cavities and is good for those with diabetes who need to restrict the amount of sugar in their diets. However, questions remain about whether artificial sweeteners can be helpful in weight loss due to the unique effects they have on the brain.

Types of Artificial Sweeteners

The most widely-used sweeteners in the United States include aspartame, sucralose and saccharin. Maltitol and sorbitol are also used in products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and ice cream. Stevia is an herbal sweetener in use in many parts of the world. As of 2010 a few compounds made from stevia have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cravings

Research on artificial sweeteners has focused on their effects on taste sensation, cravings and satiety. Sweeteners seem to stimulate parts of the brain that produce pleasurable effects without stimulating those parts that make people feel full. Researchers at the University of Colorado reported in the February 2008 issue of NeuroImage that the brain recognizes the sweet taste of sucralose as rewarding by showing activity in the reward system -- which may lead to craving more sweet taste -- but it does not stimulate the parts of the brain that lead to satiety. In 2007, researchers at the Université Bordeaux demonstrated in rats that an intense sweet taste is more rewarding than cocaine.

Aspartame Controversy

Over the years of its use, aspartame has been the subject of controversy of legendary proportion, and has been blamed for cancer, lupus and multiple sclerosis. Some studies indicate cancer in rodents from lifelong use of low doses of aspartame, yet other reviews, sometimes funded by the sweetener industry, find no negative effects.

Warning

Aspartame, marketed in the United States under the names NutraSweet or Equal, may cause brain damage in individuals with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) or to the developing fetus of a pregnant woman with PKU. The disorder is diagnosed as part of a newborn screening in most developed countries. PKU is treated by limiting exposure to substsances called phenylalanines, of which aspartame is one. If you have PKU, consuming aspartame could be very dangerous.

Implications

Artificial sweeteners have not been shown to promote weight loss, and some studies show that the sweet taste may actually cause more craving of sweets. To be on the safe side, avoid artificial sweeteners if you're trying to lose weight. At the least, keep track of whether you crave sweets when you use sweeteners.