Sugar Substitute: The Safety and Function of Artificial and Natural Sweeteners

Abstract

As the global prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases continues to rise, there is growing attention to the importance of a proper diet and managing energy intake. There is a growing desire for sugar alternatives as the harmful consequences of excessive sugar consumption on human health become more and more obvious. This article aims to consolidate current knowledge and research findings on sugar substitutes, with a focus on their digestive processes, taste characteristics, and potential health risks within the human body. The paper provides an examination of various sugar substitutes, including four artificial sweeteners which is aspartame, saccharin, Ace-K, and sucralose, as well as natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. Each category is assessed for its suitability in different food applications and associated toxicity studies, drawing comparisons to sucrose. The regulatory framework and safety assessment surrounding sugar substitutes are also discussed, underscoring the importance of understanding their potential health effects.  Furthermore, this study explored the benefits of sugar substitutes in terms of calorie control and their potential to improve dietary choices for specific patient groups. The potential impact of sugar substitutes on environmental pollution, gut microbiota, and metabolic syndrome is also examined, highlighting areas that warrant further research. The conflicting results from some studies on the toxicity of sugar substitutes are also addressed, contributing to solve the ongoing controversy surrounding their use.