Consuming sugar adds calories to the body, which can result in weight gain if someone is not careful. People are turning to sugar substitutes that have few or even no calories. All the sugar substitutes are chemical compounds with a sweet taste; every compound has different properties, benefits, and risks.

Saccharin

The artificial sweetener saccharin was first discovered in 1879 by a chemistry research assistant, Constantine Fahlberg, and was introduced to the public in 1903. Saccharin is a low-calorie sugar substitute and was used extensively in the two world wars when there was a sugar shortage. It can be up to 700 times sweeter than normal sugar, depending on the form used and is available under many brand names including “Sweet N’ Low.” Saccharin is used in baked goods, soft drinks, canned fruit, chewing gum, and supplements. The sweetener used to carry a warning label, but after extensive research, the safety of saccharin was confirmed in the year 2000, and the label was removed.

Stevia

Stevia is a sugar substitute extracted from the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia is 250 to 300 times sweeter than normal sugar and has no calories. The brand names under which stevia is available include Truvia and Sweetleaf. It is used in baked goods, yogurt, candy, chewing gum, desserts, drinks, and tabletop sweetener. Stevia was approved by the United States government as a food additive in 2008.

Sucralose

Sucralose – popularly known by the brand name “Splenda” – is a chemically modified sugar. Three chlorine molecules are added to a single sugar molecule resulting in sucralose. This sweetener is not digestible and passes out of the body without adding any calories. For this reason, sucralose is known as a zero calorie sweetener. Sucralose is used in several foods including sauces, juices, soft drinks, desserts, and candy.

While some questions remain about sucralose, it was approved by the United States government in 1998 as safe for consumption when taken in moderation.

Aspartame

Aspartame is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is a combination of two natural amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, plus methanol, derived from fruits and vegetables. Aspartmae was created in 1965 but was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until 1981. There are many brand names for aspartame including NutraSweet and Equal.

Acesulfame K

Also known as acesulfame potassium and ace K, acesulfame K is a no-calorie sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar, and is often used in combination with other sweeteners. It is found in products such as candies, baked goods, gum, beverages, frozen desserts, dessert mixes, and tabletop sweeteners. Acesulfame K is also known by the brand names Sunett and Sweet One.

Artificial sweeteners are safe when used in moderation. According to extensive research conducted by the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence that any artificial sweeteners cause cancer.

There is a specific warning against aspartame for people who have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare hereditary disease that prevents the metabolization of phenylalanine, one of the components of aspartame. Non-metabolized phenylalanine starts accumulating in the body and can result in serious health complications.

During pregnancy, most sugar substitutes are safe for mother and child if taken in moderation. The non-nutritive sweeteners approved by the FDA for use during pregnancy include acesulfame K, stevia, aspartame, and sucralose.

Some doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid saccharine and stevia, saying there is not enough research proving the safety of these sweeteners. In addition, pregnant women who have high levels of phenylalanine in their blood should avoid consuming acesulfame K.

Sugar substitutes are non-nutritive and have low or no calories, therefore they are ideal for preventing weight gain.

Artificial substitutes do not raise the blood sugar level like normal sugar, and are therefore suitable for diabetics; it is advised that a diabetic patient should first consult a doctor or dietician before trying any sugar substitute.

Artificial sweeteners do not contribute to tooth decay.