August 27, 2025

Emma Nguyen

Fountain Valley High School

12th Grade

In a world where reducing sugar intake and cutting calories has become the norm, companies and consumers have begun searching for sweetening options that are healthy yet delicious. Artificial sweeteners are a popular alternative for these cloying gremlins. But what lies behind the sugary delight of artificial sweeteners, and are they truly better for your health? From their chemical makeup to potential health risks, artificial sweeteners may have much more lying beneath their surface than expected.

Artificial sweeteners are chemical compounds designed to replicate the taste of real sugar using a lower amount of calories. These substitutes live in our local pantries and grocery stores, hiding in products including diet sodas, sugar-free beverages, and reduced-calorie foods. Artificial sweeteners can be used as a short-term method for individuals who are looking to lower their calorie and sugar intake while watching their weight.

Beneath the sugar-coated perks, artificial sweeteners raise many concerns surrounding health and nutrition. New research has begun showing artificial sweeteners and potential links to cardiovascular issues when consumed over an increased amount of time. A number of studies show that frequent consumption of these substitutes led to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, and other related events. It is also reported that most artificial sweeteners can result in the slowing of metabolic processes. This can result in side effects including atherosclerosis, also known as the hardening of the arteries, which contributes to cardiovascular issues. While organizations including the American Heart Association (AHA) cautiously support the use of artificial sweeteners as a temporary alternative to typical sugars, their long-term cardiovascular effects are unknown due to their recent rise to popularity.

As a substitute used to satisfy sweet cravings, artificial sweeteners can have adverse effects on appetite and hunger. When consuming sugar, our bodies release insulin, which stimulates the feeling of fullness in the body. Using artificial sweeteners can confuse the body’s natural appetite signals, leading to increased cravings and overeating. Johns Hopkins Medicine also specifically notes that artificial sweeteners increase sweetness cravings, causing the brain to prefer processed, sugary products with intense flavors rather than the subtle, natural flavors in fruits. Overall, artificial sweeteners’ effect on the body varies from person to person. Mayo Clinic emphasizes that some people find artificial sweeteners help with appetite control, while others may experience more intense cravings. It is important to identify whether or not artificial sweeteners play a positive or negative role in your overall diet compared to your personal preferences.

Artificial sweeteners not only affect physical health but also mental health. In a 2023 National Institute of Health (NIH) review on artificial sweeteners, artificial sweetener use has been linked to neurological symptoms. Side effects, including headache and dizziness, have been recorded, illustrating the many potential long-term risks of consuming artificial sweeteners. Disturbances to neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, can also be affected by the intake of artificial sweeteners and negatively affect an individual’s mood.

Overall, artificial sweeteners are a clinically approved alternative to natural sugars that can allow individuals to control their calorie and sugar intake. It is a safe ingredient to be consumed by adults, especially those managing weight or diseases such as diabetes. But like anything in the world, these substitutes should be taken in moderation. Heavy consumption can result in physical abnormalities and physiological changes. Artificial sweeteners raise concern because of their unknown long-term effects that are yet to be discovered and studied. When consuming them, you should focus on how these sugary swaps affect your own body, and personal lifestyles play a large role in artificial sweetness' effects on the body. While they definitely can provide the health benefits promised, artificial sweeteners should be used with caution and awareness.