1. Equal (Aspartame)
In 1981, the FDA’s tests showed that aspartame did not cause cancer or any other negative effects. A 1996 report called aspartame into question because from 1975 and 1992 there was an increase in the number of people who had brain tumors and it was proposed that there may be a link between the rise in brain tumors and the use of aspartame. The data however does not show a direct link between the use of aspartame and brain tumors. In 2005, another laboratory study done by the European Ramazzini Foundation (ERF) showed that when rats consumed aspartame over a long period of time they developed cancer. The ERF suggested that the use of aspartame should be re-evaluated. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed the study and concluded that aspartame is not a carcinogen. The FDA requested the findings from the ERF and is reviewing the data to make their own conclusions.
2. Agave
After the controversy with high-fructose corn syrup, Agave was introduced to the market and was believed to be a good alternative. Dr. Oz’s research has found that Agave actually contains fructose rather than glucose and could increase insulin resistance. Additionally, he states that fructose increases the risk for metabolic syndrome and heart disease. This is because there is an increase in triglycerides that causes plaque buildup in the arteries leading to cardiovascular disease.
3. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup is another highly debated sweetener. According to Dr. George A. Bray’s article “Potential Health Risks from Beverages Containing Fructose Found in Sugar in High-Fructose Corn Syrup,” there have been several studies done that show fructose and high-fructose corn syrup initiate liver dysfunction and “possibly leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the metabolic syndrome.”
References:
Textbook of Natural Medicine Third Edition Volume 2 by Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. and Michael T. Murray
“Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer” http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/artificial-sweeteners-fact-sheet
“The health risks of saccharin revisited” by Ellwein LB, Cohen SM http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2202324
“FDA Statement on European Aspartame Study” http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108650.htm
“Potential Health Risks From Beverages Containing Fructose Found in Sugar in High-Fructose Corn Syrup” by George A. Bray MD http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/36/1/11.full
“Agave :Why We Were Wrong” by Mehmet Oz, MD http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/agave-why-we-were-wrong