Artificial Sweeteners: Benefits, Risks and Controversy

Artificial sweeteners (AS) are compounds that offer sweetness with little or no calories, and are usually expected to do so without the metabolic effects of sugars. In individuals with particular health conditions (diabetes or obesity), quality of life may be improved by using AS since they may provide favourably modified foods to meet their special needs. However, AS are very diverse molecules with varied kinetics. In spite of the detailed safety assessments by regulatory bodies before the approval for use, AS have been reported to be connected with a range of unfavourable health consequences, mainly in the lay media. Major concerns include the probable role of AS regarding food intake, body weight, diabetes, dementia or dental caries. Existing evidence to date on those issues is not entirely consistent. Therefore, though AS have been endorsed as a possible way to decrease sugar and overall intake of energy, a debate continues around the real benefits of AS use for this purpose. Considering the extensive use and popularity of AS in contemporary nutrition practice, it is important for clinicians to become familiar with the benefits and provide individualised advice to patients on the selection of appropriate AS, depending on its proprieties and likely benefits. This article includes description of various types of AS and the advantages and possible side effects of the long-term consumption on health of the consumers. Additionally, conflicting evidence surrounding the adverse effects of AS on human health is explored.