Learning the skinny on low-calorie sweeteners could help keep good health on your plate. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
Q. What are low-calorie sweeteners?
A. Low-calorie sweeteners are ingredients added to food to provide sweetness without adding a significant amount of calories
Q. Are low-calorie sweeteners safe?
A. Yes. For a low-calorie sweetener or any food ingredient to be on the market, it must be considered safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Low-calorie sweeteners are safe for most people, including people with diabetes and individuals on a weight management program.
Q. Should anyone restrict their consumption of low-calorie sweeteners?
A. Yes. Aspartame contains phenylalanine, an amino acid also found in many protein-containing foods, and people with a rare hereditary disease known as phenylketonuria and some pregnant women with hyperphenylalaninemia must control their intake of phenylalanine.
Q. Can the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners be an effective weight management tool?
A. Yes. Low-calorie sweeteners can play an important role in a weight management program that includes both exercise and a healthful diet. Studies show that when low-calorie sweetened foods and beverages are substituted for their conventional counterparts, people consume fewer calories. Low-calorie sweeteners can provide a choice for weight-conscious individuals seeking great tasting foods with fewer calories.
Q. What products use low-calorie sweeteners?
A. Low-calorie sweeteners are approved by the FDA for use in a variety of products, ranging from cereals and yogurt to pudding, soft drinks, and candy. Look for any of the five approved low-calorie sweeteners in the product’s ingredient list: acesulfame potassium, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose. Some or all can be used as table-top sweeteners or be used at home in cooking and baking. For more information, visit www.ific.org.
