Artificial Sweeteners: Current Discoveries, Healthy Effects and Future Developments

Abstract

Saccharin, aspartame and sucralose are the most common artificial sweeteners. They are widely used in food and beverages to provide sweetness without adding calories or affecting blood glucose levels. This paper investigated the application of three artificial sweeteners, saccharin, aspartame and sucralose, on glucose metabolism. There is no conclusive evidence of the effects of saccharin, aspartame and sucralose on glucose metabolism. Because saccharin cannot be metabolized by the body, it does not raise blood glucose levels. Aspartame is metabolized by the body to phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol, but is not involved in the body’s metabolic processes and does not raise blood glucose levels. Sucralose may affect the expression of sweet taste receptors and glucose transporter proteins, thus affecting the metabolic process of glucose. However, saccharin may affect the intestinal microbiota, and sucralose may negatively affect intestinal health by decreasing the number of colonies of probiotic bacteria in the intestines and increasing the number of colonies of pathogenic bacteria. Regular consumption of beverages containing artificial sweeteners may also lead to metabolic disorders. Data from human trials are lacking at present, and more research data are needed to support it.