Aspartameandsucraloseare common artificial sweeteners but with significant differences.
Many people, especially those diagnosed with diabetes, use them toreduce sugar intake.
Sucralose is sold as Splenda, while aspartame brands include Equal and NutraSweet.
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The sweeteners replace honey, maple syrup, and white and brown sugars.
However, there are questions about health and safety when sugar substitutes are consumed regularly.
Read the ingredients list to determine whether it’s in a food or beverage.
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sucrose.
Still, aspartame is used in such small amounts that it usually doesn’t contribute many calories.
Aspartame is used in several low-calorie and calorie-free foods and drinks.
Check the ingredients label if you’re curious whether something you’re considering purchasing contains this artificial sweetener.
What Makes Them Different?
Many agree that sucralose does not leave an aftertaste, while aspartame does.
The FDA reviewed over 100 studies for each compound before approval and continues to monitor ongoing research.
Sucralose consumption isnt without its downsides.
The ADI for aspartame is 75 packets and 23 packets for sucralose.
Its important to consider long-term health effects when deciding whether to use sugar substitutes.
Bottom Line: Which One Is Healthier?
However, there are still concerns and contradictions over their long-term use.
Experts warn that sorting out thehealth risksof sugar substitutes is complicated.
Massachusetts General Hospital.Sugar Substitutes: What You Should Know.
FDA.Aspartame and other sweeteners.
2020 Jun 24;28:e20190755.
doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2019-0755
Czarnecka K, Pilarz A, Rogut A, et al.Aspartame-true or false?
Narrative review of safety analysis of general use in products.Nutrients.
2019 Apr;103:332-344. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.01.009
World Health Organization.Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released.
2022;14(8):1682. doi:10.3390/nu14081682
Harvard Health Publishing.Are sugar substitutes too sweet to be true?
