Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe? Separating Health Facts from Myths

Last summer, the World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified aspartame, the popular artificial sweetener found in everything from diet sodas to chewable multivitamins to yogurt, as a “potential carcinogen.” As often happens on the internet, an internet debate erupted, sparking renewed public interest and concern about artificial sweeteners. Will aspartame really give me cancer? What about my blood sugar? Don’t take away my Diet Coke!

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The reality of the reclassification, says Ernest Hawk, M.D., vice president and head of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at MD Anderson, was much less dramatic. The WHO “essentially changed aspartame’s status from ‘we don’t know if it causes cancer’ to ‘it’s possible that it might cause cancer, but more research is necessary,’” he says. “So, essentially, it’s a variation of ‘we don’t know.’”

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Even as the trending worry faded away, the quest for sugar-free alternatives has never been more prevalent. There are more options and opinions than ever before about how much sugar or sugar alternatives we should be consuming and what they do to our bodies. Let’s delve into the world of artificial sweeteners to better understand how we should navigate their presence in our diets.

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Distinguishing Sugar Varieties, Both Natural and Chemical

Sugar isn't a monolithic entity. Rather, it encompasses a spectrum of varieties, each with its own metabolic implications. Natural sugars, abundant in fruits and dairy, offer vital nutrients alongside their sweetness. Fructose from fruits, lactose from dairy, and the natural sugars present in grains and vegetables provide essential energy sources that are crucial for bodily functions. Simply, we need sugars, which our body converts to glucose, to survive.

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In contrast, added sugars, pervasive in processed snacks, bread, sugary beverages, and even condiments, contribute empty calories devoid of nutritional value. Many people consume a large amount of added sugar that has no nutritional benefits. Excessive consumption of added sugars can lead to various health issues like high blood sugar, insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

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Most of us know this stuff, and typically, it’s when the adverse health effects grow too serious, that we turn to artificial sweeteners to rebalance our diet, control caloric intake, or manage high blood sugar.  

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Navigating Sugar Alternatives for Informed and Sweet Choices

The landscape of sugar substitutes is vast, yet most promise the same thing: sweetness for zero to few calories. Artificial (chemicals produced in a lab) sweeteners, including saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, are commonly used in a variety of products labeled as "diet" or "sugar-free." Novel sweeteners derived from natural sources, such as stevia and monk fruit, offer promising alternatives, albeit with their own flavor profiles and textural nuances. Steviol glycosides extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant and mogrosides extracted from monk fruit are gaining popularity as plant-derived sweeteners, often used in beverages, dairy products, and baked goods. There are even new alternatives hitting the market: Brazzein is a newly FDA-approved sweetener derived from the “oubli” fruit of West Africa. Unlike traditional sugar substitutes, Brazzein is a protein, offering a new approach to mimicking sugar. Its intense sweetness, approximately 1,000 times sweeter than sugar, presents a compelling alternative for reducing calorie intake without sacrificing taste.

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While artificial sweeteners provide the allure of zero calories, concerns persist regarding their potential health risks, including links to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. Erythritol has been connected to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. And stevia and monk-fruit sweeteners come with an aftertaste that has been described as “bitter,” “unpleasant,” and “disastrous.” Aspartame is a “potential carcinogen,” afterall. So what are we meant to choose? 

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To state the obvious, if you’re trying to manage your health, not adding any sugar to any food or drink would be ideal. But most of us like to enjoy the food we eat, and sweetness is a sensation our bodies crave. 

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“[Artificial sweeteners] are non-nutritious. That is, they don’t offer anything of particular value other than their sweet taste,” says Hawk. “So, there’s no reason to use them other than for their taste. Artificial sweeteners may also increase your sugar cravings or tolerance for sweet things, which could lead you to consume more empty calories.”

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Simply, depending on your health goals, the sweetener you choose is a matter of preference. Most don’t stack up to real sugar; many people liken aspartame to pennies coating their tongues. Researchers have yet to deem any sugar alternative unsafe for consumption. Hawk emphasizes that the reclassification of aspartame was primarily a call to action for scientists to study these substances more, especially as they appear in more foods and drinks. 

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As individuals navigate this terrain, it’s about back to basics. Opting for whole foods rich in natural sugars, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy, ensures not only sweetness but also vital nutrients. Incorporating these foods into meals and snacks provides a wholesome approach to satisfying cravings while supporting overall health. When indulging in sweet treats, moderation is key, whether opting for traditional sugar or sugar substitutes. Prioritizing whole foods and mindful consumption empowers individuals to strike a balance between enjoyment and well-being, fostering a sustainable approach to sweetness in their diets.

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Conclusion

In the pursuit of healthier dietary choices, the role of artificial sweeteners remains a topic of debate and scrutiny. As individuals navigate the complex landscape of sugar substitutes, informed decision-making is paramount, prioritizing whole foods and mindful consumption. While sugar substitutes offer the allure of reduced calorie intake, their potential health risks warrant consideration. Ultimately, striking a balance between indulgence and moderation is key to fostering a sustainable approach to sweetness in our diets. By embracing a balanced approach to sweetness, rooted in mindful consumption and informed choices, individuals can navigate the complexities of sugar substitutes while fostering long-term health and well-being.

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Sources

MD Anderson

The Atlantic 

Johns Hopkins Medicine

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