Aspartame and sucralose are both noncaloric artificial sweeteners, meaning they do not add any calories to your food. Unlike cyclamates, which are banned in the United States, aspartame and sucralose -- as well as saccharin and acesulfamate K -- are FDA-approved artificial sweeteners. However, even though the FDA has decided these sweeteners are safe, some individuals are still concerned with the effects of aspartame and sucralose on your body.
Aspartame
According to the National Institutes of Health, aspartame is a combination of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Aspartame is safe for baking, although it breaks down slightly at high temperatures, and the FDA has approved it for use both raw and in cooking. Some anecdotal evidence has reported side effects; however, no scientific studies have uncovered any negative side effects. While aspartame is safe for most members of the general populace, people diagnosed with phenylketonuria are unable to metabolize aspartame, and should avoid using it.
Sucralose
Sucralose is actually derived from sucrose, normal sugar. Sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar, and is unable to be absorbed by your body. Sucralose passes through your system and does not enter your bloodstream. According to Food Insight, over 20 years of research has demonstrated sucralose to be safe. Even those considered more at risk, including pregnant women and children, are able to consume sucralose safely. As with aspartame, anecdotal evidence has reported some side effects, including migraines and digestive issues. However, there are no scientific studies providing evidence that supports these claims.
General Dangers
There are certainly some general guidelines to keep in mind when using aspartame and sucralose. It is dangerous to think that just because you are using a noncaloric sweetener, your food is healthy. Even if your food is low in sugars, it may be high in fat and calories, and you may be lured into eating more of it than you should because you think it is healthy. Furthermore, sugarless food does not mean you can overindulge in portion size, which contributes to weight gain and health problems.
Cancer
The FDA has approved both aspartame and sucralose for consumer use, which means that they do not believe that you are in any danger from these substances. Some people still think that aspartame and sucralose are linked to cancer; however, the vast majority of studies on the safety of these sweeteners have found no support these claims. There was one notable exception, conducted back in 2005 by European Ramazzini Foundation for Oncology and Environmental Sciences, that found a link between aspartame consumption by rats and some types of cancer. Although this study is very much in the minority, some individuals may wish to avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame simply due to the possibility that that study was correct, and the other study's that found it be safe were incorrect. Furthermore, neither aspartame nor sucrose can cause cavities or diabetes complications, like natural sugar can do. The real danger lies in thinking that these noncaloric sweeteners allow you to indulge in any eating habits. The truth is, eating too much or eating foods high in fat will cause health problems, regardless of their sugar content.
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