Sugar substitutes are nonnutritive substances used to sweeten foods and drinks that provide little if any energy in the form of calories. Sugar substitutes do not affect blood sugar levels. They are intended to serve as an alternative to sucrose (table sugar).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves all sugar substitutes for use once they have been shown to be safe and effective. Examples of approved sugar substitutes include:

• Acesulfame-K
• Aspartame
• Neotame
• Saccharin
• Sucralose

Two other sugar substitutes are awaiting FDA review. They are called alitame and cyclamate.

Concerns have been raised about the potential safety of some sugar substitutes. However, the FDA has found that nearly all of these substances are safe when used as recommended. The only exception is Aspartame, which contains the amino acid phenylalanine, and therefore should not be used by people who have the inherited disease phenylketonuria (PKU).

Most experts agree that a diet containing modest levels of sugar substitutes, in addition to regular exercise, can help people maintain their weight level or lose excess pounds. Sugar substitutes may also benefit people with certain health conditions. For example, people with diabetes can use sugar substitutes without having to worry about it affecting insulin or blood sugar levels. Use of these sweeteners also can help manage calorie intake.

For people with diabetes, artificial sweeteners are extremely beneficial because they provide sweetness with few or no calories and do not affect glucose (blood sugar) levels. Obesity is strongly linked to insulin resistance, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and treatment plans for these individuals usually include weight loss.  Artificial sweeteners can help people with diabetes lose weight and control glucose.