Why Is Artificial Sugar Worse Than Sugar?

Artificial manufactured sweeteners approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration include aspartame, saccharin and sucralose -- also known as Equal, Sweet'N Low and Splenda, respectively. These artificial sugars are often contrasted with sucrose, regular table sugar derived from sugar cane. There are differences between artificial sugars and table sugar for weight control, dental health and diabetes, but whether artificial sugars are worse than table sugar is up for debate.

Cancer Links

While the American Heart Association suggests keeping your daily added sugar intake to about 6 tsp. for women and 9 tsp. for men, consuming table sugar hasn't been directly linked to cancer development. By contrast, for decades controversy has surrounded artificial sweeteners and its links to cancer. The National Cancer Institute states, however, that as of the time of publication, studies have not found a definitive link between cancer and artificial sweeteners in human.

Weight Control

While 1 g of table sugar -- about 1/4 tsp. -- contains 4 calories, artificial sweeteners contain almost no calories. This is an attractive option for people who want sweetened flavor without the added calories. However, even though artificial sweeteners contain no calories, their sweetness, which is much sweeter than table sugar of the same amount, may promote weight gain. A study review in the June 2010 issue of "The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine" notes that artificial sweeteners might promote weight gain precisely because the sweetness promotes sugar dependence and thus more consumption of sugary caloric foods.

Diabetic Diet

Carbohydrates are the most concerning factor in the diet plan of a diabetic. Because table sugar is a carbohydrate, it can spike blood sugar levels. Artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, are manufactured and don't raise sugar levels because they aren't carbohydrates. Adding small amounts flavors foods more intensely than table sugar of the same amount does. A doctor or dietitian should approve the artificial sweeteners you choose to use if you are diabetic.

Dental Health

Artificial sugars affect your teeth differently than table sugar does, too. Table sugar is known to decay teeth, while artificial sugars do not. However, if you drink diet soda, which contains added artificial sugars, you may still be at risk for tooth decay. Diet sodas contain phosphoric acid and citric acid, which may promote enamel erosion, according to the American Dental Association, although the research on this is still preliminary.