Sugar Substitutes and Health: A Review

Abstract

Artificial sweeteners also referred to as sugar substitutes or low-calorie sweeteners are non-nutritive, high-intensity sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners may be in so many foods, drinks, drugs, and hygiene products that some argue that every citizen of Western countries probably uses them. Because they are so sweet, less is needed to sweeten foods and fewer calories are added. The availability of a variety of safe sugar substitutes is of benefit to consumers because it enables food manufacturers to formulate a variety of good-tasting sweet foods and beverages that are safe for the teeth and general health.