Artificial Sweeteners as a Sugar Substitute: Are They Really Safe?

Artificial sweeteners are naturally extracted or synthetically synthesized compounds that add sweetness to food without adding any calories.

The Safety

Products labeled ‘sugar-free’ often use sugar substitutes of different kinds. Sugar substitutes have different chemical compositions, so concerns about the safety of artificial sweeteners are genuine.

Why Use Artificial Sweeteners?

Packaged beverages, instant cereals, certain snacks, and desserts are sweetened using sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or a combination of the two. The use of high fructose corn syrup helps companies cut costs. Liquid glucose is also used as an artificial sweetener in food products.

Be More Dangerous

Foods high in refined sugar are strongly associated with lifestyle disorders like heart disease, dementia, mental decline, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammation, obesity, and fatty liver disease. Packaged food items containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are far more dangerous than products with refined sugar.

Wondering if sugar substitutes are healthy? The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has determined ADI values for some of the most commonly used sugar substitutes, excluding steviol glycoside.

About E. J. McKay

E.J.McKay is a Shanghai-headquartered investment bank with a special focus on mergers & acquisitions. We are one of the most long standing independent investment banks in China, with core business of mergers & acquisitions and financing advisory.