By Desirea D. Caucci, PT, DPT
A 1998 survey reported that 144 million of us Americans routinely eat and drink low calorie, sugar-free
products. The FDA has approved 5 artificial sweeteners that are used in these products including Acesulfame
potassium (Sunett), Aspartame (NutraSweet or Equal), Sucralose (Splenda), D-Tagatose (Sugaree) and
Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low). The discussion about consuming products with these artificial sweeteners arises just
about every time I order or grab a diet beverage (my favorites include diet iced tea and Diet Coke). Sometimes
I joke by saying, “drink diet, artificially sweetened beverages and get Cancer or drink sugary beverages and get
fat! Take your pick...cancer or fat?” That’s where this week’s topic arises. Common sense tells me we should
not be consuming these chemical additives, but 144 million of us still do, trusting they are at least safe. But, are
they? Unfortunately there is not one straight answer and the findings are mixed, depending on the source.
If you ask Dr. Janet Starr Hill, you will hear of the many dangers of Aspartame in particular. In her book,
Sweetpoison, she writes about how she cured herself of a fatal thyroid disorder by “The Apartame Detoxification
Program.” She exposes how this chemical can be dangerous to our bodies, especially for pregnant women,
young children, Diabetics and those with who are sensitive to phenylalanine (a chemical component of
Aspartame). A blood test can determine if you have this sensitivity, termed PKU. She further explains that
Phenylalanine in Aspartame is toxic to the neurons in the brain and can lead to cellular death and health
problems including ADD/ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders, among other problems. Phenylalanine is an
amino acid found in nature, but only in combination with other amino acids; it is isolated by man for processing
purposes, like in Aspartame. She warns to buy only those products that contain at least 8 amino acids in
combination.
On the flip side, I also came across information from nutritionists stating there are no credible findings about
artificial sweeteners causing illnesses. They also state that when artificial sweeteners are consumed in small
amounts, like in diet beverages, there is no concern at all. A recent study also refuted prior rat studies that
linked artificial sweeteners to leukemia and lymphoma. This new study, conducted in humans, found no such
link. The authors state this is a first step toward learning about the effects of artificial sweeteners on humans
and more studies need to be conducted before health recommendations can be made.
Another sweeter receiving more publicity of late is Stevia, an herbal sweetener used by South American natives
for centuries. There are no indications that Stevia has any toxic effects on humans at this point. However,
Stevia is not FDA-approved and can not be sold as a sweetener. It is sold as a dietary supplement, though.
So, if your purpose in opting for these artificially sweetened products is to reduce your calories or your blood
sugar, you can do so effectively. Whether or not you can do so safely is the question. In either case, these
products are not necessarily nutritious or healthy, and there are obvious better alternatives from which to
choose. Even though the facts are not clear cut, I think I know the answer.
A 1998 survey reported that 144 million of us Americans routinely eat and drink low calorie, sugar-free
products. The FDA has approved 5 artificial sweeteners that are used in these products including Acesulfame
potassium (Sunett), Aspartame (NutraSweet or Equal), Sucralose (Splenda), D-Tagatose (Sugaree) and
Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low). The discussion about consuming products with these artificial sweeteners arises just
about every time I order or grab a diet beverage (my favorites include diet iced tea and Diet Coke). Sometimes
I joke by saying, “drink diet, artificially sweetened beverages and get Cancer or drink sugary beverages and get
fat! Take your pick...cancer or fat?” That’s where this week’s topic arises. Common sense tells me we should
not be consuming these chemical additives, but 144 million of us still do, trusting they are at least safe. But, are
they? Unfortunately there is not one straight answer and the findings are mixed, depending on the source.
If you ask Dr. Janet Starr Hill, you will hear of the many dangers of Aspartame in particular. In her book,
Sweetpoison, she writes about how she cured herself of a fatal thyroid disorder by “The Apartame Detoxification
Program.” She exposes how this chemical can be dangerous to our bodies, especially for pregnant women,
young children, Diabetics and those with who are sensitive to phenylalanine (a chemical component of
Aspartame). A blood test can determine if you have this sensitivity, termed PKU. She further explains that
Phenylalanine in Aspartame is toxic to the neurons in the brain and can lead to cellular death and health
problems including ADD/ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders, among other problems. Phenylalanine is an
amino acid found in nature, but only in combination with other amino acids; it is isolated by man for processing
purposes, like in Aspartame. She warns to buy only those products that contain at least 8 amino acids in
combination.
On the flip side, I also came across information from nutritionists stating there are no credible findings about
artificial sweeteners causing illnesses. They also state that when artificial sweeteners are consumed in small
amounts, like in diet beverages, there is no concern at all. A recent study also refuted prior rat studies that
linked artificial sweeteners to leukemia and lymphoma. This new study, conducted in humans, found no such
link. The authors state this is a first step toward learning about the effects of artificial sweeteners on humans
and more studies need to be conducted before health recommendations can be made.
Another sweeter receiving more publicity of late is Stevia, an herbal sweetener used by South American natives
for centuries. There are no indications that Stevia has any toxic effects on humans at this point. However,
Stevia is not FDA-approved and can not be sold as a sweetener. It is sold as a dietary supplement, though.
So, if your purpose in opting for these artificially sweetened products is to reduce your calories or your blood
sugar, you can do so effectively. Whether or not you can do so safely is the question. In either case, these
products are not necessarily nutritious or healthy, and there are obvious better alternatives from which to
choose. Even though the facts are not clear cut, I think I know the answer.
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