Artificial Sweeteners

1. Sucralose

By 2008 it had been approved for human consumption in over 80 countries. One of the main problems with is that sucralose passes through your gastrointestinal tract undigested. So the theory was that it had very little to no effect on the human body.

However new studies show that sucralose is actually metabolized by the human body. Several studies have also shown that sucralose actually alters the amount and quality of microflora in our gut, which are essential for a healthy stomach.

A recent article in the journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health has also noted that some of the ingested sucralose is metabolized by the body showing that it is not completely inert. Some rodent and human studies have shown that sucralose may alter glucose and insulin levels, of course, more testing is needed but it is of particular importance to people with diabetes that sucralose may not be the answer for people trying to avoid or minimize their sugar intake.

There has also been research published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health suggesting that sucralose may be a contributing factor in certain forms of cancer.

2. Acesulfame Potassium (K)

Acesulfame Potassium (K) was first introduced to the public back in 1988. The studies have shown that this artificial sweetener apparently caused breast tumors, lung tumors, various types of organ tumors multiple and forms of leukemia as well as respiratory disease.

There is also a possible link between Ace-K and something which is called acetoacetamide (which is created in the body as it breaks down Ace-K) which can lead to Thyroid damage. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (Washington D.C. based nonprofit watchdog and consumer advocacy group) is one of the several agencies to say that the current research does not prove Acesulfame Potassium/Ace-K is safe.

3. Xylitol 

The main reason Xylitol have been gaining popularity is because they are being marketed as ‘natural’. Xylitol is a derivative of Xylose. Consuming Xylose tends to cause gastrointestinal issues in people such as gas, bloating, loose stool, and diarrhea.

It has also been reported that Xylitol can raise blood glucose levels, which makes it something diabetics should avoid.

Another concern is that Xylitol is created by hydrogenating Xylose. This is a concern because hydrogenated foods are known to cause a litany of problems including, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and liver dysfunction to name just a few. Xylitol is also extremely toxic to pets, especially dogs.