Artificial sweeteners are basically sugar substitutes. However, terminology and semantics make the sweet subject confusing. The Federal Drug Administration only approves aspartame, acesulfame potassium, neotame, saccharin and sucralose as food additives. You may know these substances by other names such as Splenda or Equal. Weight loss or fewer cavities are the advantages of sweeteners, but there are also negative side effects.
Artificial Sweeteners
According to Mayo Clinic, artificial sweeteners are not a cause of cancer or major health concerns. This conclusion is supported by the National Cancer Institute, but this does not mean you will not experience side effects or unique reactions to any of them. In fact, several doctors disagree with the Mayo Clinic. Dr. H.J. Roberts believes that aspartame aggravates diabetes and can cause other metabolic and neurological issues. Also, each sweetener has acceptable daily intakes set by the FDA indicating that amounts above these recommendations could cause problems.
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener made from aspartic acid and is found in products like Equal and NutraSweet. According to Mercola.com, this particular artificial sweetener is responsible for 90 different possible symptoms. These include: seizures, headaches, numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, fast heart rate, vision problems, taste loss, and ringing in the ears to name just a few. Additionally, health conditions like diabetes or multiple sclerosis might be worsened by the consumption of this sweetener.
Splenda
Splenda is actually sucralose. Sucralose is a synthetic substance created from sucrose and chlorine atoms. The result is a substance that is more like a chlorocarbon or pesticide. The body does not recognize it as food. Side effects may be: migraines, rashes, panic attacks, muscle aches, stomach pain, agitation, diarrhea and swelling according to WomentoWomen.com.
Stevia
Stevia is a sweetener made from an aster family shrub. In the United States it is considered a novel sweetener. Yet in Japan and Korea it is a food additive. Stevia is in the same plant family as dandelions. Those with an allergy to ragweed may not be able to tolerate Stevia. But it is not guaranteed that a ragweed allergy will produce the same symptoms. Stevia in high doses could lower blood pressure too.
Saccharin
Saccharin has been around for 100 years and is used in many beverages and foods. Some individuals who eat it can taste a strange after flavor which is described as metallic or bitter. As far as side effects go, it can cause rashes, itchy skin or eczema.
References
- Women to Women: Sugar Substitutes and the Potential Danger of Splenda
- H.J. Roberts, M.D.: Statement by H.J. Roberts , M.D. Concerning The Use of Products Containing Aspartame (Nutrasweet) by Person with Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
- Type Free: Artificial Sweetener Mythbusters
- Mercola: Aspartame
- Diet Health Club: Side Effects of Saccharin an Artificial Sweetener
- Mayo Clinic: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
