Artificial sweeteners, also known as non-nutritive sweeteners or sugar substitutes, are substances that are used as a replacement for sugar in food and drinks. These sweeteners are often much sweeter than sugar and are used in much smaller quantities to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Artificial sweeteners can be made from a variety of chemicals, including saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and neotame. They are commonly used in diet and low-calorie foods, as they provide sweetness without adding calories.
Artificial sweeteners are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are generally considered safe for consumption. However, some people may be sensitive to certain artificial sweeteners, and some studies have suggested that excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners may have negative health effects, such as disrupting the body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
