Artificial Sweetener
Artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes are substances used to sweeten foods and beverages without the caloric load of sugar. They vary widely in chemical structure, origin, and metabolic impact.
Types & Properties
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Sugar Alcohols (Polyols):
- Xylitol: A naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in plants and mushrooms.
- Properties: Sweetness comparable to table sugar; ~40% fewer calories.
- Health Impact: Generally beneficial for human dental health (reduces cavities).
- Toxicity Warning: Highly toxic to dogs; causes rapid insulin release leading to hypoglycemia and potential liver failure.
- Source: Xylitol: Human Health Benefits and Canine Toxicity
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High-Intensity Sweeteners:
- Aspartame, Sucralose, Stevia, Erythritol.
- Often zero-calorie or negligible-calorie.
- Metabolic effects vary by compound and individual gut microbiome.
Key Considerations
- Caloric Content: Varies from zero (high-intensity) to ~2 kcal/g (sugar alcohols).
- Glycemic Index: Most have low GI, making them suitable for diabetes management.
- Safety Profiles: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA/EFSA for humans in moderate amounts, though specific contraindications exist (e.g., Phenylketonuria and aspartame).
- Dental Health: Some sweeteners (like xylitol) are non-cariogenic or anti-cariogenic; others are neutral.