Are sugar substitutes safer compared to traditional sugar?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been hearing a lot about sugar substitutes like aspartame, stevia, and neotame lately, and I am interested in learning more about their safety, taste, and potential health benefits compared to traditional sugar.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Artificial sweeteners can be a short-term way to help some people lessen their use of sugar and lose or manage weight. In general, sugar substitutes are safe for healthy adults. But be aware of how sugar substitutes affect your food and drink choices. These ingredients may get your taste buds used to sweetness. Stevia and monk fruit are both naturally derived from plants and some people feel they have a flavor very similar to regular sugar. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) says these sweeteners are "generally regarded as safe,” which means they are safe to use for their intended purpose. Compared to artificial sweeteners, jaggery is best as it provides calcium and iron along with carbohydrates.

I hope this helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.