Artificial sweeteners

Hello,

Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.

Since you have this question in a forum like DoctorSpring, I am sure you are looking for some proven scientific replies. Whatever I have noted down are all evidence based. But please be warned the answers simply put will read as "artificial sweeteners are safe" . This is because that is the truth as of now, from the available evidence.

Few factors you should consider is that many of the apprehensions you have raised are proven only in animal models and has not been replicated in humans. And most studies are without merit. And regarding the articles, anyone with an internet connect can write a blog these days ! So I would rather not trust them.

I heard that artificial sweeteners are bad for you. Is it true?.

*No - Not really. They are safe in quantities mentioned in their packs. Of course too much use may be harmful. I do think they should be called "artificial sweetener ". Non-saccharide sweetener is a better term. Whatever you put in milk to make it sweet can be called artificial. Be it sugar or aspartame.

I read an article where it stated that artificial sweeteners like Splenda (Sucralose) acts like an insulin resistance. When I read that, it startled me because my dad has diabetes. Is that true though?

*They do not cause insulin resistance in humans in a a significant way

The article didn't explain why it was an insulin resistance but I'm assuming it acts likes one because if there is not enough sugar in your body, then the hypothalamus never triggers a release of insulin. I'm not sure if my logic is right though. Can you explain to me how it acts likes an insulin resistance, please?


*They do not cause insulin resistance in humans in a a significant way

That brings me to my next question. Does artificial sweeteners cause hypoglycemia then? Some people says it does and others say that it actually causes hyperglycemia. I don't understand how artificial sweeteners would cause hyperglycemia, because if you have high sugar content in your body, wouldn't insulin be released or triggered? Or is the artificial sweetener blocking your normal body function somehow? Can you explain to me which one you actually get?

They do not cause hypoglycemia by themselves, however, if dose of insulin or oral drugs for diabetes is increased without considering intake of artificially sweetened foods, then that can cause hypoglycemia. (as these sweeteners do not raise blood glucose levels like intake of sugars.)

Also, just making sure, but I heard that artificial sweeteners cause obesity because it messes with your satiety center. Is that true, too?

There is some truth to this. This based on observational studies. People who substitute AS for regular sugar for weight loss generally see not much benefit. This could be a sugar craving from lack of simple carbohydrates making them eat more solid foods / drinks.

Also, how does AS cause type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. I read a lot of articles where they mention that AS causes these too but I don't know how they do. Can you explain to me in detail how this happen? I don't have a clue on this.

No AS do not cause these. But if some one over eat under the assumption AS is safe, it may result in Diabetes / Atherosclerosis.


Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask follwoups
Thank you

Okay, but how does it cause Atherosclerosis if you do over eat AS then? Is sucrose considered an artificial sweetener?

Hello,

No I would not consider Sucrose as AS. It has almost half a percent glucose.

As I said earlier there is NO human evidence to show AS causing atherosclerosis. There are some animal data suggesting there could be increase in Apo B particles, Lpa etc, however these are not replicated in the studies.

What I mean was that, if the individual over eats because of the AS ( if he/she falsely assume that he can eat more amount of food since it is low calorie ) it can cause atherosclerosis.

I am curious to know what kind of clinical indication do you have ? Are you looking for weight loss ? ./ Diabetes control ? I could give more insight if I can get that information and your dietary pattern.

Thank you