Artificial Sweeteners: Efficacy, safety, and physiological effects in humans: Review

Abstract

With the increased demand for better health among many individual, the turning to sweeteners has been rampant as most of them contain low calories. As such, many companies have turned to the production and purchase of artificial sweeteners due to their less usage, lowering the production cost, while also improving users' calories level of consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognize various artificial sweeteners including acesulfame-K, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, among others, where it also defines the acceptable daily intake value (ADI). However, despite the immense use and benefits, there are many concerns, particularly the health concerns over increased use of artificial sweeteners, where some people perceive that they promote cancer, gastrointestinal issues, and brain damage, among other issues. Hence, this review discussed artificial sweeteners, types, and their metabolic and health effects, and their usage.