Emma Miller
Artificial sweeteners are food additives used as sugar substitutes. There are many myths about sugar substitutes. Over the years, they have found both supporters and opponents.
What are artificial sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are food additives used as sugar substitutes. They give a sweet taste to drinks and foods and are even several times sweeter than sugar. However, their advantage is that they contain few or no calories.
In addition, as a sugar substitute, they are suitable for people suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes. They are a great alternative for baking, cooking, and mixing your favorite drinks. Thus, the term “artificial sweeteners” describes
- sugar substitutes
- low-calorie sweeteners
- calorie-free sweeteners
Among the most well-known artificial sweeteners are aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and possibly acesulfame potassium. What is the difference between them?
The most famous artificial sweeteners
There are several artificial sweeteners on the market that differ not only in their properties but also in their conditions of use. As a food ingredient, you can find them almost everywhere, so it is useful to know them.
Saccharin
Saccharin is the oldest artificial sweetener, which was accidentally discovered by Konstantin Falberg in 1879. After working all day in the laboratory, the young doctoral student did not wash his hands and, while eating his rabbit, realized that it tasted sweeter. This was because the residues of coal tar had gotten from his hands into the dough, leading to the appearance of saccharin.
Saccharin is about 300 times sweeter than table sugar. Colorful sachets of saccharin can be found in cafes. In other products, saccharin is found in chewing gum, diet drinks, jams, and cosmetics.
In the 1970s, saccharin was classified as dangerous. However, more than 30 studies later confirmed its safety for humans. Thanks to these studies, it is now on the market and is one of the most popular artificial sweeteners.
Aspartame
In 1965, aspartame was also accidentally discovered by chemist James Schlatter, who licked his finger when he picked up a piece of paper. It first appeared on the market in 1974. Chemically, aspartame consists of two amino acids. It is 220 times sweeter than regular table sugar and is therefore used in sweetened beverages, chewing gum, and cereals.
The downside is that it splits at high temperatures and is therefore not suitable for baking. The FDA approved the use of aspartame in food and beverages in 1996. This was preceded by more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies.
Myths about aspartame
Aspartame and cancer
Aspartame has been the subject of several disproven myths. One of the most famous claims is that aspartame increases the risk of cancer. According to the official statement of the National Institute for Cancer Research (NIC), aspartame does not enter the bloodstream and does not affect organs. In 2007, a large-scale study was conducted that failed to establish a link between aspartame and cancer.
Aspartame and diabetes
Another well-known myth claims that aspartame causes glucose intolerance and diabetes. Associations such as the FDA, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association have stated that normal aspartame intake does not affect glycemic index or appetite. In 2014, a study was conducted to determine whether aspartame affects blood sugar levels. The results showed that sugar levels did not change during consumption.
Aspartame and weight gain
Aspartame is believed to cause weight gain, at least that’s what another myth says. However, numerous studies confirm that it does not cause weight gain. On the contrary, it can contribute to weight loss as a sugar substitute in high-calorie foods. The myths that artificial sweeteners give a sweeter taste are not supported by evidence.
A 2012 study examined 4 different beverages and their effect on body fat accumulation. One was a sugar-sweetened beverage, another was an aspartame-sweetened beverage, the third was semi-skim milk, and the fourth was water. The results of the aspartame drink were very similar to those of the water. This means that aspartame does not cause weight gain or increased body fat.
