Sweeteners

Sweeteners are defined as additive substances that give foods a sweet flavour.They can be natural,such as sorbitol,or artificial,such as saccharin.Depending on their calorie content we may refer to: :

Caloric sweeteners

Like other carbohydrates,fructose provides 4 kcal/g,and,in spite of having a lower glycaemic response than sucrose and other carbohydrates,it has been shown that large quantities of fructose (double the usual amount consumed) have a negative effect on blood cholesterol,LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

 

Concentrated fruit juices,honey and corn syrup are natural sweeteners that contain sucrose or fructose.They do not have a significantly high or low calorie supply,carbohydrate content or a notable effect on metabolic control.

 

Sorbitol,mannitol and xylitol are common sugar alcohols that have a lower glycaemic response than sucrose and other carbohydrates.They are not water soluble and are therefore often combined with fats,which cancels out the reduction in calories that these sweeteners provide.Many people suffer gastric discomfort after eating these sweeteners and their consumption in large quantities can cause diarrhoea.

Non-caloric sweeteners

Saccharin,aspartame and acesulfame K are non-caloric sweeteners approved in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that are suitable for diabetics and pregnant women; however,given that saccharin can cross the placenta,it is advisable to use other sweeteners while pregnant.