Nutrition Nuggest of the Month: Artificial Sweeteners

Submitted by Dale Batz, RDN, a Bariatric Dietitian Nutritionist with the Midwest Bariatric Institute in Dyer

We receive many questions at the Midwest Bariatric Institute about sugar substitutes. Without a doubt there seems to be some speculation, and maybe mistrust, regarding their safety and role within the prudent healthy diet.

The most popular non-caloric artificial sweeteners include:

• Acesulfame –K : Found in Sweet One
• Aspartame : Found in Equal and Nutrasweet
• Saccharin: Found in Sweet – N Low
• Sucralose : Found in Splenda

Stevia is a combination of sweetener types and is difficult to fit into one category because of what they're made from and how they're made.

Artificial sweeteners are attractive for weight control and diabetes because they add virtually no calories to the diet. These sweeteners provide intense sweetening power and may be made from naturally occurring substances. Some artificial sweeteners can have an after taste, so it helps to experiment with the various types to find a desirable taste combination. Another benefit to artificial sweeteners is that they do not contribute to tooth decay and cavities.

These sweeteners are regulated by the FDA as a food additive. They must be approved by the FDA before being available for sale.

Each consumer should decide on how or if they choose to use these products. In general, the medical community regards them as safe and effective for use with weight loss and diabetic patients.

For more information on artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes include recommendations and potential side effects, visit our Online Health Library.