Findings from animal studies indicated that sodium saccharin (the chemical in artificial sweeteners) caused bladder cancer. However, studies on people haven't shown any link between bladder cancer risk and saccharin intake.
Aspartame is another common artificial sweetener. Extensive investigation hasn't shown any serious side effects from aspartame.
Aspartame is metabolized to several products, including the amino acid phenylalanine (fen"il-AL'ah-nín). That's why it carries a risk for people with phenylketonuria (fen"il-ke"to-NÚ're-ah) (an inborn metabolic disorder).
The FDA has approved two other artificial sweeteners. Acesulfame potassium is often combined with other sweeteners. It has an excellent shelf life and doesn't break down when cooked or baked.
Sucralose is a tabletop sweetener and is used in products such as baked goods, nonalcoholic beverages, chewing gum, frozen dairy desserts, fruit juices and gelatins.
Related AHA publications/Web content:
See also:
Body Composition Tests
Carbohydrates and Sugars
Diabetes Mellitus
Obesity and Overweight
Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Children
