The sweetener vs. sugar debate has been ongoing for decades. Recently, studies have suggested that sweeteners may be linked to certain cancers, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases, leading to concerns about their use. However, sugar, the alternative, also poses risks such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes, weight gain, and tooth decay. This debate resurfaced after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the artificial sweetener aspartame would be classified as a potential cancer risk to humans.
Aspartame is commonly used in soft drinks like Diet Coke and Dr Pepper, as well as juices, yogurts, and some over-the-counter medications. The question is, is artificial sweetener worse than sugar? To shed some light on the matter, MailOnline asked experts for their insights. Professor Gunter Kuhnle, a professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Reading, explained that the main advantage of sweeteners is that they are non-caloric and can provide a sweet taste without affecting blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for individuals living with diabetes. Regulatory agencies have carefully assessed their impact on health and found no evidence of adverse effects at permitted levels. However, this doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe at higher levels. The available data are inconclusive when it comes to their effect on the microbiome, but there is currently no cause for concern about their use.
While sweeteners cannot completely replace the functionality of sugar in preserving certain foods or providing the desired texture and feel in the mouth, they are generally safe when used within recommended amounts. The recommended daily aspartame consumption is 50mg per kg of body weight in the US and 40mg per kg of body weight in the UK. For a 70kg adult, this translates to around 2800mg. Considering that the average can of Diet Coke contains 180mg of aspartame, an adult would need to consume 15 cans a day to be at risk of any health consequences from the sweetener. However, it’s important to note that aspartame contains phenylalanine, making it unsuitable for individuals with phenolketonuria.
Studies have shown that zero and low-calorie sweetened foods can improve diet quality, reduce calorie intake, and are not detrimental to teeth health. Short-term trials have also demonstrated that replacing sugary drinks with zero-calorie sweetened drinks can help reduce energy intake and support weight management. Public health organizations worldwide have largely accepted the benefits of sweeteners, particularly for individuals with diabetes.
However, some experts express concerns about aspartame. Professor Erik Millstone from the University of Sussex has been studying the effects of sweeteners on human health for nearly four decades. He argues that evidence questioning the safety of aspartame has been available since the mid-1980s, with reliable evidence of its carcinogenic effects on laboratory animals emerging in 2005. He criticizes large food and beverage companies for trying to discredit the World Health Organization’s findings and emphasizes the IARC’s reliability in excluding individuals with conflicts of interest.
Studies have also suggested potential risks associated with artificially sweetened beverages. A 2017 study found that consuming one or more artificially sweetened beverages a day was linked to a higher risk of weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Another study in 2018 reported that sucralose increases levels of a protein associated with fat accumulation in cells, increasing the risk of obesity.
In response to the rising concerns about sugar consumption, the UK implemented a soft drinks industry levy in 2018, prompting major brands to reduce the sugar content in their products and use artificial alternatives. However, Dr. Vicky Sibson, a public health nutritionist, warns about the dangers of sweeteners in children’s diets. She argues that frequent consumption of sweeteners can lead to the development of a preference for sweet foods, which can contribute to dental decay and excess energy intake.
Dr. Duane Mellor, a registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston University, acknowledges that non-sugar sweeteners can provide a low-sugar alternative in drinks and foods. However, he highlights evidence suggesting that some sweeteners, like aspartame and sucralose, may affect the gut microbiome and impact glucose metabolism in some individuals. While sweeteners are lower in calories than sugar, incorporating them into the diet alone may not effectively support weight loss.
In summary, the debate between sweeteners and sugar continues. While sweeteners offer the advantage of being non-caloric and not affecting blood sugar levels, concerns have been raised about their potential health risks. Sugar, on the other hand, is associated with various health issues. The key is moderation and following recommended consumption levels. Public health organizations generally accept the benefits of sweeteners, but parents should be cautious about their use in children’s diets to avoid developing a preference for sweet foods.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
