Health Notes

Artificial Sweeteners

PART II

This week we will discuss some specifics regarding artificial sweeteners, and some alternatives.

Acesulfate potassium, also known as AceK, Suite One, or Sunett, is actually an organic acid known as acetoacetics combined with potassium. It is two hundred times sweeter than sugar and found in a variety of synthetic food substances. It contains zero calories and was approved by the FDA in 1988.

Nine new studies appear to show this substance to be safe, although the Center for Science in the Public Interest states that this testing has been “mediocre and too brief.” They also note that two studies “suggest this additive could cause cancer.”

Sucralose or Splenda is one of the most recent sweeteners on the market. Although approved by the FDA in 1998, it is manufactured by combining sugar and chlorine. It is five to seven hundred times sweeter than table sugar and is found in a variety of foods as well as in table packets and has zero calories. While 110 different studies have shown Sucralose’s safety as a food additive, critics note that it is a synthetic chemical. Adverse reactions of this substance include headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, which are probably one of the most common seen with this substance, and rashes.

Saccharin, also known as Sweet N Low and Sugar Twin, is a substance that is produced in a chemical process. The end result is sodium saccharin. It is three to five hundred times sweeter than table sugar and is found in a variety of different food substances, as well as in table packets. It has zero calories and was actually discovered in 1879. Studies suggest it might be linked to bladder cancer in rats.

Aspartame, also known as NutraSweet or Equal is formed through the combination of two separate amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. This substance is metabolized by the body as a protein. It was approved by the FDA in 1981. With this substance, phenyl ketoneureics must watch their intake of aspartame, due to its potential increase in their phenylketonuria level. It is 160 to 200 times sweeter than table sugar and contains 4 calories per gram. Side effects include migraines, headaches, muscle aches, dizziness and metabolic illness. Several studies suggest that aspartame might increase the incidence of brain cancer; however, more than 200 other studies have found it to be safe.

Some alternatives to these artificial sweeteners include good old honey, which is sweeter than table sugar and therefore you can use less. It also is metabolized by your body differently then, Sucrose, and therefore will not have as dramatic an effect on blood sugar levels. Stevia is also an alternative to these artificial sweeteners as well as to table sugar. Stevia is derived from a plant source. It is much sweeter than table sugar, and therefore can be used sparingly. It can be used in a liquid form with a dropper. One drop is typically plenty to sweeten your green tea in the morning.

I trust that this gives you some good information to utilize regarding artificial sweeteners; however, as always, it is my recommendation that you use natural substances and products in an attempt to get your sweet tooth satisfied by the intake of fresh fruits when possible.

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