Comparison between the negative and positive impacts induced by artificial sweeteners on health saudi ladies

A sugar substitute, known as artificial sweeteners (AS), is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, usually with less food energy. Aspartame (APM), sucralose (SUC), sorbitol (SORB) and saccharin (SAC) are among the artificial sweeteners having been approved for use.

Animal studies, clinical and epidemiological researches indicate that long-term ingestion of these AS are linking to increase incidence of cancer, increase body weight, hypertension, and other diseases. However, some researches, approved of these sugars are safety.

The aim of this study is to investigate the comparison between the negative and positive impact induced by artificial sweeteners on health of 100 Saudi ladies, ages (20–35 years) and body weight (51–60) who consumed one or more of these AS daily for different periods.

The participants were interviewed using a questionnaire in this study. They were assessed on their knowledge toward sweeteners as well as the pathological symptoms who were suffering during the ingestion of sweeteners. The subjects are divided into three groups, group A: Subjects who consumed APM, group B: Subjects who consumed SORB and SUC, group C: Subjects who consumed SAC.

Results of a questionnaire demonstrated that 61.29% of ladies declared that consumption of the low calories sweetener once or more a day for 13 months or more, has positive impacts due to its role in maintaining the weight, however 22.58% of ladies, who consume the sugars at the same manner, declared that the these sweeteners have negative impacts because it affects the memory and blood pressure. Some ladies suffering from obesity, headache and some others suffering from hepatomegaly. Meanwhile, 16.13% of ladies have no noticeable effects. From this questionnaire, it can be concluded that the daily consumption of the AS may be harmful for health.

We recommend the work of other studies on the artificial sweeteners (AS) extensively to experimental animals and with different doses to see some side effects; we also recommend women consult a doctor when they use these sweeteners, or minimize they uses.