Primary Care in Rochester and Kasson

Artificial sweeteners: Safe or too good to be true?

9/28/2026 by Kelli Kirkley

Image of strawberries with artificial sweetener

With metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes on the rise, the desire for low-sugar, lower-calorie food and beverage options also has increased. One solution is the use of artificial sweeteners. These sweet sugar substitutes offer zero-calorie replacement options for sugar, but at what cost?

Types of artificial sweeteners

There currently are six artificial sweeteners that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for human consumption:

  • Acesulfame potassium. Brand names include Sunett.
  • Advantame. This is a general use sweetener and flavor enhancer in foods.
  • Aspartame. Brand names include Equal, NutraSweet and Sugar Twin.
  • Neotame. Brand names include Newtame.
  • Saccharin. Brand names include Sweet’N Low.
  • Sucralose. Brand names include Splenda.

Potential benefits

Using artificial sweeteners offers these benefits:

  • No spikes in blood sugar.
  • Zero calories.
  • Satisfies sweet cravings.

Possible consequences

Artificial sweetener use potentially can cause adverse effects, including:

  • Upset stomach, especially in those with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Disruption within the gut microbiome, which is the natural bacteria and organisms that live in your gut.
  • Migraines, or painful headaches.
  • Changes in taste.
  • Increased cravings for sweets.
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular events, which are conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels, or stroke.
  • According to new research, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Whether or not to consume

Artificial sweeteners offer a lower-calorie, sweet alternative for those looking to decrease their sugar intake. However, research surrounding these sugar-free substitutes continues to be controversial and inconclusive. It is best to use products containing any artificial sweeteners sparingly. Choosing whole foods is always recommended over choosing processed products that contain either added sugar or sugar substitutes.

Do your diligence to be an informed consumer and make decisions on the products you consume based on what is best for you and your health.

Kelli Kirkley is a dietetic intern at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition and master’s degree in human nutrition through The University of Alabama.