And the fact that there is a debate about whether or not aspartame, saccharine and sunnet are safe is a red flag to me that they should be avoided. There are fierce arguements both in favor and against the use of these products. Because it is illegal to do extensive studies on the effects of the various non-nutritive sweeteners on humans, it is difficult to determine what the long time side-effects may be. Tests on lab animals have repeatedly shown these products to be carcinogenic. But opponents say that these results apply to animals, not to humans and there is no basis for comparison.
At one time, the FDA considered the ban of saccharine. But they acquiesced to the opposition in lieu of a warning label on the product. Now similar labels can be found on other artificial sweeteners warning that they may be hazardous to your health. Aspartame has been found to break down into hazardous chemicals when stored improperly or to long. Certain types of cancer rates have increased significantly since the introduction of artificial sweetners. But because no conclusive correlation can be drawn between cancer and artificial sweetners people continue to use them.
The American Dietetic Association believes that sweeteners, both non-nutritive and nutritive are safe when used in moderation. It is understandable that individuals with blood sugar/insulin disorders would seek and alternative to sugar. For them there are no other choices short of complete deprivation, which is unrealistic, or death.
Other people, however, who do not need to use artificial sweeteners do, instead of exercising common sense and moderation. Many people abuse these sweeteners to indulge their sweet tooth. What about people who drink 6 or 8 bottles of Pepsi One a day? People often assume that because food products are approved by the FDA, it is safe to consume regardless of quantity. But common sense indicates this is not so. Would these same people also consume 6 or 8 bran muffins a day because they are good for you? Plainly one's colon would be overwhelmed. Similarly it would follow that an excess of sweeteners, non-nutritive or natural, can not be healthy.
Additionally, it has been proven that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite. So, the benefits of consuming a calorie-free product will probably be negated by the consumer's consumption of additional food to satisfy their appetite. It makes more sense then, to exercise discretion and moderation in the first place.
Ultimately, it is up to the reader to determine if it is worth the risk to consume artificial sweeteners. No definitive evidence regarding the safety of these products to humans will be available any time in the near future. Perhaps in twenty or thirty years we will discover, too late, that man-made food products such as aspartame and saccharine are definitively harmful to humans. I have chosen not be among the test population. What will your decision be?
Disclaimer:
I in no way, shape or form claim to be an expert on this topic. This essay was written for a college composition class. While I whole-heartedly hold to the views espoused in this essay, I am not a scientist nor an expert on the subject.
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