Artificial Sweeteners 

  1. Artificial sweeteners are sugar substitutes used instead of regular sugar.
  2. They are chemically made and provide a sweet taste with little or no calories.
  3. They are commonly found in diet drinks, sugar-free sweets and low-calorie foods.
  4. Examples include saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, Ace-K, neotame and advantame.
  5. Artificial sweeteners may help in reducing calorie intake and managing body weight in some situations.
  6. They can be useful for people with diabetes because they generally have less effect on blood sugar than regular sugar.
  7. They may help prevent tooth decay because they are not easily fermented by bacteria in the mouth.
  8. Some people may experience digestive problems such as gas, bloating or diarrhoea after consuming them.
  9. Some studies have raised concerns about possible links with metabolic problems and changes in gut bacteria, but the evidence is not conclusive.
  10. The WHO advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for long-term weight control or preventing diseases, as some research has linked higher long-term consumption with health risks.
  11. Instead of depending on artificial sweeteners, people can reduce added sugars by eating fruits and choosing unsweetened foods and drinks.