Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits

Sugar is an inseparable part of the food we consume. But too much sugar is not ideal for our teeth and waistline. There have been some controversial suggestions that excessive sugar may play an important role in certain degenerative diseases. So artifi cial sweeteners or artifi cially sweetened products continue to attract consumers. A sugar substitute (artifi cial sweetener) is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, but usually has less food energy. Besides its benefi ts, animal studies have convincingly proven that artifi cial sweeteners cause weight gain, brain tumors, bladder cancer and many other health hazards. Some kind of health related side effects including carcinogenicity are also noted in humans. A large number of studies have been carried out on these substances with conclusions ranging from “safe under all conditions” to “unsafe at any dose”. Scientists are divided in their views on the issue of artifi cial sweetener safety. In scientifi c as well as in lay publications, supporting studies are often widely referenced while the opposing results are de-emphasized or dismissed. So this review aims to explore the health controversy over perceived benefi ts of sugar substitutes.