If you are one of the many people who do not use sugar because of personal health concerns, you should take the time to analyze artificial sweeteners' side effects before you use any one of them as a sugar substitute. Although there is a multitude of conflicting information surrounding artificial sweeteners, there is enough information available for you to make an informed decision.
Saccharin
Saccharin, also known as Necta Sweet, Sweet'N Low and Sweet Twin, is over 100 years old. Dr. Janet Starr Hull states that saccharin was originally obtained from natural plant sources but is now artificially reproduced in laboratories. Although saccharin does not raise blood sugar levels, does not contain any calories and is 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar, the artificial sweetener does have some known health concerns. Saccharin belongs to a class of compounds called sulfonamides, and its consumption could cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to sulfa drugs. These allergic reactions may include skin eruptions, diarrhea, headaches and breathing difficulties. Saccharin is also an anticipated human carcinogen because it caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Aspartame
Aspartame, also known as Equal, Nutrasweet and Sugar Twin, is 160 to 220 times sweeter than table sugar. Aspartame is commonly used in diet drinks, gelatins, cold breakfast cereals, tabletop sweeteners, chewing gum and puddings in over 100 countries. However, aspartame is a highly controversial artificial sweetener. According to Dr. Robert Walton, 166 aspartame safety studies show great inconsistencies regarding aspartame safety. Dr. Walton states that 100 percent of the Nutrasweet industry-funded studies found aspartame to be safe, while 92 percent of the independently funded aspartame safety studies discovered aspartame side effects. Dr. H. J. Roberts reported that these side effects include abdominal pain, dizziness, vision changes, diarrhea, memory loss, fatigue and headaches. Additionally, aspartame use is linked to fibromyalgia symptoms, anxiety attacks, unidentifiable depression, multiple sclerosis, various cancers and lupus.
Splenda
Splenda, or sucralose, is 600 times sweeter than table sugar. Although splenda is claimed to be processed from sugar, it is not a natural substance. Splenda was discovered by researchers who tried to create a new insecticide by combining sugar with several chemicals, including hydrogen chlorine. Hydrogen chlorine is a poisonous gas used in plastics, pesticides and disinfectants. In animal studies, splenda caused numerous side effects including hives, skin irritations, chest pains, runny nose, gastrointestinal problems, depression, anxiety and mood swings. Although Sucralose.org states that splenda has no known side effects, NaturalNews.com reports that splenda interferes with prescription drugs and destroys beneficial gut bacteria in humans.
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