Everything that is not done in moderation can be harmful. This will also apply in the consumption of sugar as too much of it will not only lead to tooth decay but also to a host of other conditions that may include obesity and diabetes. Although caloric content and sugar content has already been more or less served with the introduction of several sweeteners in the market, there is still much debate on how safe these artificial sweeteners are.
As consensus, most believe that like all things, the use of artificial sweeteners should also be done in moderation. Small amounts of these sugar substitutes can be considered safe. It is however already hard to quantify right now as most manufacturers also use these sugar substitutes in their products.
In fact, most carbonated drink companies, if not all, use artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners are also found in prepared snacks and baked goodies. In other words, they are everywhere. Below are some of the alleged side effects of artificial sweeteners in the market. Read on and decide for yourself.
Acesulfame Potassium
Studies have shown that this can aggravate hypoglycemia because of insulin stimulation. It can apparently also cause lung and breast tumors, lead to leukemia and cause chronic respiratory organs as found in studies of rodents. Acesulfame Potassium is still being used in the market.
Aspartame
This is actually still being used despite the rumors that it can cause headaches and epileptic seizures. Other supposed side effects of these sugar substitute are mood changes manic episodes and a host of other neuropsychiatric disorders. There are also cases of the
dizziness, nausea, memory impairment, and depression found during studies but this was not directly linked with aspartame.
Saccharin
Although Saccharin is no longer being used as ingredients to manufactured products in the country, it is still being allowed to be consumed as table sweetener. Saccharin is actually the oldest table sweetener in the country. Unfortunately, it has associated with studies that suggested a link between saccharin and cancer. This was actually lifted by the US FDA in 2001 but of course the damage was already done.
Still, heavy use of saccharin can put someone at risk of developing bladder cancer. There have also been claims that Saccharin can also cause allergic reactions, even pruritus and urticaria. There will also be eczema, some form of photosensitivity and the appearance of tongue blisters.