The new-age trend of going sugar-free has taken the world by storm. People who want to lose weight, have health concerns like diabetes, or just want to keep a check on their health are seen switching to non-sugar alternatives available in the markets. These artificial sweeteners are available in the form of tiny pellets or tablets, which you can add to your tea or coffee to satiate your taste buds.
For most people, these sugar-free tablets are safe. However, that does not mean they don’t have any ill effects on the body. If you are someone who wants to go sugar-free, realising the possibility of sugar free tablets side effects might bother you. But having the right knowledge can empower you to decide if sugar alternatives are best for you.
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What are Sugar Free Tablets Made Of?
Sugar free tablets contain a sugar substitute. It can be an artificial sweetener or a natural sweetener. These substitutes are several times sweeter than regular sugar but have very few calories. Due to this, even a tiny amount is enough to add sweetness to foods and drinks. Many sugar-free products in the market contain these artificial sweeteners. Some common sweeteners are:
- Aspartame
- Stevia
- Saccharin
- Sucralose
- Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol
Sugar Free Tablets Side Effects You Must Be Aware Of
Here are some of the known Sugar Free tablets side effects:
Weight Gain
Though many health-conscious people use sugar-free tablets to cut down on calories, it is believed that regular intake of these tablets can lead to weight gain. As tablets made of artificial sweeteners only satisfy the taste buds but fail to meet the calorific needs of the body, they trigger an increase in appetite and sugar cravings. You then tend to eat more to feel full, which in turn results in a gain in weight.
Headaches
The next one on the list of sugar free tablets side effects is headaches. People who consume artificial sweeteners containing aspartame can sometimes experience headaches. This is, however, individual-specific and affects mostly those who are more sensitive to it.
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Depression
Just as experiencing a headache is individual-specific and is more likely to happen to those who are aspartame-sensitive, same goes with depression. If you are someone who is struggling with a mood disorder, you have a higher chance of being hit with depression if your body is sensitive to aspartame too.
Kidney Problems
A few past studies have found that sugar free tablets may affect the kidneys negatively and result in a decline in kidney function. So, while stevia, aspartame, and other non-nutritive sweeteners do not raise blood sugar levels, they may still negatively impact the functioning of the kidneys.
Gut Issues
We all know that a healthy gut translates into a healthy body. But sadly, some sugar free tablets are sometimes known to cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, and acidity. A study revealed that this happens because sweeteners like saccharin can alter gut flora and disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria, making way for digestive issues in humans.
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Type 2 Diabetes
Many people around the globe, especially those with diabetes, resort to sugar free tablets to satiate their sweetness cravings. Though these tablets have virtually no calories, which is a good thing for maintaining blood sugar levels, they can still increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is mainly attributed to the excessive use of artificial sweeteners in daily life. More research on this is required as most studies suggesting this were observational.
Heart Diseases
Another sugar free tablets side effects is the risk of developing heart disease. Certain sweeteners can act as vasodilators, meaning they can dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This may be hazardous for people who already have a low BP. Based on a review, even the World Health Organization stands against the long-term use of non-sugar sweeteners for managing body weight, as they may pose a risk of cardiovascular problems.
Metabolic Syndrome
In case you are not aware, metabolic syndrome is a name given to a bunch of conditions that include excess belly fat, high BP, high cholesterol, and high sugar levels. These conditions make a person more susceptible to diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. One study has pointed out that using artificial sweeteners can increase an individual’s chances of developing metabolic disorders too.
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Endocrine Disruption
It is also reported that the natural sweetener Stevia and its metabolite ‘Steviol’ can play havoc with your endocrine system and cause unnecessary disruption. It was found that the presence of Steviol in the body can cause excessive production of the hormone progesterone, thereby disrupting the normal endocrine system.
Is Cancer Too One of the Many Sugar Free Tablets Side Effects?
The link between cancer and artificial sweeteners has been the talk of the town since the 1970s. A study carried out on mice found that the use of artificial sweeteners, saccharin and cyclamate, in high amounts led to bladder cancer. This alarming news triggered several research studies to study the impact of artificial sweeteners on humans.
Thankfully, these studies, some of which continued for over 10 years, did not find any link between artificial sweeteners and cancer. Even regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Europe declared that, when used within the recommended limits, artificial sweeteners do not increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
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Are Sugar Free Tablets Safe for Diabetics?
The main thing diabetics struggle with is maintaining their blood glucose levels. This often requires them to cut down on their sugar intake in foods and beverages. Sugar-free tablets are non-sugar sweeteners and contain negligible calories while still imparting a sweet taste, may seem like an ideal choice for diabetics.
However, the safety quotient of these tablets depends on many other things. Factors like the type and extent of diabetes the person is dealing with, their food habits, overall health condition, and choice of sweetener, all play a role here.
Generally speaking, sugar free tablets are safe for people with diabetes when they use them in small quantities. However, as with any other medication, one must consult their doctor to check if it’s safe for them to use or not, and how much they can consume without a problem.
Final Word
Sugar free tablets are used as an alternative to table sugar. They have minimal calories and have a similar sweet taste. Many people prefer using them to follow their dietary restrictions. But not all of them are aware of sugar free tablets side effects.
While these tablets are safe for most people, nobody should ignore the slightest possibility of ill effects they might have on human health. The best way to ensure safety is to talk to your healthcare provider before buying a pack of sugar free tablets. As the acceptable daily intake is determined based on the type of sugar substitute and the weight of the individual, your doctor’s advice is all you need to ensure your health and well-being.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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