By Jennie Kim

 Learn how artificial sweeteners are becoming more popular  Understand how they affect appetite regulation of your body  Learn their significance on weight management  Know the potential hazards that are associated with artificial sweeteners

 The obesity epidemic is linked to high dietary intakes of sucrose and fructose. ◦ Insulin resistance can result, which can lead to diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and stroke.  Artificial sweeteners have little to no calories, so they are a tempting choice over sugar.  They are being increasingly added to processed foods (they’re in cosmetics too). ◦ More foods are labeled as “diet” or “light”  As of 2007, 86% of Americans use low-calorie, reduced sugar, or sugar-free foods and beverages.

 Sucralose (Splenda)*  Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet)*  Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low)*  Neotame  Acesulfame-K * = Most commonly used

 Does the sweetness of artificial sweeteners make you eat more? ◦ Adults  No significant differences compared to sucrose on hunger stimulation. ◦ Children  Complete energy compensation was seen in comparison to sucrose.  What about glucose metabolism? ◦ No significant changes on insulin, glucagon, or blood glucose levels. ◦ Ghrelin levels decreased with sucrose, meaning it responds to energy intake.

 Currently, there is not enough scientific evidence to support that artificial sweeteners are beneficial to weight loss. ◦ Studies show a modest to no change in weight.  Dependent on other factors ◦ Lifestyle ◦ Physical activity

 Are there carcinogenic risks? ◦ The FDA approved them to be safe for general use. Most artificial sweeteners are not metabolized by the body.  One exception is aspartame, which is broken down in the body, yielding 4 kcal/g.  Studies of potential toxicity ◦ Migraines were reported in mild cases. ◦ Certain cancers (bladder and mammary), DNA damage, lymphomas, and leukemias were seen in rats.  Can results from animals be translated to humans?

 The rise of obesity will cause more people to turn to artificial sweeteners to replace sugar in an effort to control their weight.  Artificial sweeteners alone will not cause weight loss. A restricted calorie plan and increased physical activity should be followed through to produce results.  It is impossible to completely avoid artificial sweeteners, but they should be restricted based on potential health risks.

 Which artificial sweetener is completely broken down in the body? ◦ Aspartame  True or false: The side effects of artificial sweeteners have been heavily researched in humans. ◦ False

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