| Comparing Artificial Sugars- Advantages and Disadvantages Aspartame Advantages -easy to make -Already has a large market (Equal, Nutrasweet) -has not been proven to cause cancer in anything -200 times sweeter than sugar Disadvantages -short shelf life (only six months) -After six months, aspartame breaks down into simpler compounds, and loses its sweetness quality -breaks down in temperatures above 85 degrees F. (Therefore, it cannot be used in baked goods, or else it will lose its ability to be sweet to taste.) Saccharin Advantages -already has a large market (Sweet N' Low) -stable when heated -about 300 times sweeter than sugar Disadvantages -A large number of studies have been conducted, concerning saccharin as a carcinogen in rats. Some studies concluded that saccharin does the likelyhood of cancer (particularly in the bladder) of rats. While other studies have shown that there is no correlation between saccharin, and cancer in rats. Acesulfame Potassium Advantages -does not break down into simpler substances at high temperatures -has a very long shelf life (three-four years) -has never been shown to be a cancer-causing substance Disadvantages -is not advertised often. (Therefore, most consumers can only choose between saccharin and aspartame.) Sucralose Advantages -is 550 times sweeter than regular sugar. Disadvantages -comparatively few tests have been performed regarding its safety -some tests have shown a reduced growth rate, and decreased red blood cell count in laboratory animals. Sucrose Advantages -has never been shown to cause cancer, or aid in any other disease besides diabetes. Disadvantages -has an extremely high caloric content (9 calories/gram-as much as fat) -has a high "sugar" content. This means that diabetics, who cannot control the level of sugar in their bloodstream can go into a state of "shock." The leading cause of tooth decay Previous Next Home |