All articles tagged with #sweetener
A large European study presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress found that people with the highest blood levels of the sweetener xylitol had a 57% higher risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke) over about six years, with results consistent across age and sex and independent of BMI, hypertension, or diabetes; researchers say further study is needed as xylitol use in foods continues to rise.
A Tufts-led team engineered E. coli to convert glucose into tagatose, a rare sugar that sweetens like sugar but offers a lower glycemic impact and reduced calories. Regulators have allowed a reduced caloric value for tagatose on labels (1.5 kcal/g) and several trials show improvements in HbA1c and fasting glucose; lab results suggest high conversion efficiency (up to ~95%), but industrial-scale production and cost-competitiveness remain unresolved. Some users report GI side effects at higher doses, and final widespread adoption will hinge on scalable manufacturing and clear regulatory guidance.
Coca-Cola plans to introduce a new version of its classic drink sweetened with U.S. cane sugar later this year, a move supported by President Trump, aligning with his economic policies and offering consumers an alternative to high-fructose corn syrup. The company already uses cane sugar in some products and aims to expand its use to appeal to U.S. consumers seeking natural sweeteners.
A study from the University of Colorado links the common sweetener erythritol to impaired brain microvascular function and increased stroke risk, raising concerns about its safety in foods and beverages.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the widely used soda sweetener aspartame is safe, disagreeing with a World Health Organization (WHO) finding that it may cause cancer in humans. The FDA argues that the studies used to reach the WHO's conclusion had significant shortcomings. Aspartame is used as a substitute for sugar in numerous products worldwide, including diet sodas. The WHO's classification of aspartame as a possible carcinogen is based on limited evidence, and the FDA, Health Canada, and the European Food Safety Authority have all concluded that aspartame is safe at current permitted levels.
The World Health Organization's cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has classified the artificial sweetener aspartame as a "possible" cause of cancer. However, a separate expert panel selected by WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization still considers aspartame safe in limited quantities. Aspartame is widely used in diet soda and various other foods. The IARC's evaluation was based on studies that found "limited" evidence linking aspartame to liver cancer. The guidance on aspartame use remains unchanged, with WHO advising moderation rather than complete avoidance. The FDA and WHO experts maintain that aspartame is safe when consumed within recommended limits.
Aspartame, a commonly used sweetener found in various foods and drinks, is reportedly set to be classified as "possibly carcinogenic" to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, this classification does not indicate the level of risk posed by aspartame, but rather the strength of evidence linking it to cancer. The IARC classification has caused confusion in the past, and critics argue that it can create unnecessary alarm. While some studies have linked aspartame to cancer, others have not found a significant risk. Food safety agencies worldwide have declared aspartame safe, but individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid consuming it.
Researchers have found that the chemical formed when humans digest sucralose, a widely used sweetener, is “genotoxic”, meaning it breaks up DNA. The study also found that trace amounts of sucralose-6-acetate can be found in off-the-shelf sucralose, even before it is consumed and metabolised. The chemical also causes “leaky gut” and increases activity in genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and carcinogenicity. The findings raise concerns about the potential health effects associated with sucralose and its metabolites, and the safety and regulatory status of sucralose should be revisited.