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What the Experts Say about Artificial Sweeteners

“Substituting non-nutritive sweeteners for sugars added to foods and beverages may help people reach and maintain a healthy body weight – as long as the substitution doesn’t lead to eating additional calories later as compensation. For people with diabetes, non-nutritive sweeteners used alone or in foods and beverages remain an option and when used appropriately can aid in glucose control.”

Experts say in order to lose weight you must reduce your calorie intake by consuming a healthy diet and increase your energy expenditure by doing more physical activity. As part of a weight loss or weight management plan, artificial sweeteners can provide low-calorie options for desserts and other treats instead of cutting them out completely. By replacing sugar-sweetened drinks and sweet foods in your diet with versions that have been artificially sweetened, you can significantly reduce your calorie intake.

Try non-nutritive sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose or saccharin in moderation. Non-nutritive sweeteners may be a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding more calories to your diet. The FDA has determined that non-nutritive sweeteners are safe.

Artificial sweeteners are attractive alternatives to sugar because they add virtually no calories to your diet. In addition, you need only a fraction compared with the amount of regular sugar you would normally use for sweetness.

“It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that consumers can safely enjoy a range of nutritive sweeteners and nonnutritive sweeteners when consumed within an eating plan that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes, as well as individual health goals and personal preference.”

It is okay to use artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (brand name: Equal) and sucralose (brand name: Splenda) while you are pregnant.

Consumers can be assured that the use of these intense sweeteners poses no health risk. Probably the most widespread nutrition problem facing Americans today is the overconsumption of calories, leading to overweight and obesity. These substitute sweeteners, when used appropriately, can help reduce calorie intake.

faq2Do you have questions about low-calorie sweeteners? Want to learn more about maintaining a healthy lifestyle? You asked and we listened. Our resident Registered Dietitians answered the most popular questions about low-calorie sweeteners.

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