Nonnutritive Sweeteners

Nonnutritive sweeteners, also known as sugar substitutes, are plant- or herb-derived sweeteners that don’t contain calories. These sweeteners often have a higher intensity of sweetness than sugar and include sucralose, stevia, Monk fruit extract, aspartame, and sugar alcohols.

Quick Answer

What it is

Nonnutritive sweeteners, also known as sugar substitutes, are plant- or herb-derived sweeteners that don’t contain calories. These sweeteners often have a higher intensity of sweetness than sugar and include sucralose, stevia, Monk fruit extract, aspartame, and sugar alcohols.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Weight (Weight Loss & Maintenance)
  • Grade B: Food Intake (Weight Loss & Maintenance)
  • Grade D: High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Nonnutritive Sweeteners

Quick Facts: Nonnutritive Sweeteners

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Grade B Findings:2
  • Key Effect:Weight Loss & Maintenance
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B2
C0
D1
1 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

B
Weight
Small Decrease
smallImproves
B
Food Intake
Small Decrease
smallImproves
D
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
No effect
10 studies
none
?
Total cholesterol
11 studies
Improves
?
Triglycerides
Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
8 studies
Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

Related Supplements

Zinc

2 shared conditions · 148 outcomes

Zinc is an essential mineral that is critical for the function of hundreds of enzymes. Consequently, it plays many roles, including in antioxidant enzymes, brain function, and the immune system. Zinc is most commonly taken to reduce the duration of respiratory infections and the common cold.

Whey Protein

2 shared conditions · 197 outcomes

Whey protein is one of the two high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk (casein being the other). Its high digestibility, quick absorption, and well-researched benefits for muscle gain and cardiometabolic health make it a popular protein supplement among athletes and older adults.

Vitamin D

2 shared conditions · 308 outcomes

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.

Vitamin C

2 shared conditions · 262 outcomes

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and a very popular supplement due to its antioxidant properties, safety profile, and low price. Many people supplement with vitamin C because it is believed to reduce symptoms of the common cold.

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

2 shared conditions · 117 outcomes

Niacin is a form of vitamin B3. Supplementation with niacin (nicotinic acid) can improve cholesterol levels; however, niacin's inability to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and its association with adverse effects make its use controversial.

Spirulina

2 shared conditions · 304 outcomes

Spirulina, commonly known as “blue-green algae”, is a nontoxic cyanobacterium that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.

Saffron

2 shared conditions · 390 outcomes

Saffron is a spice with antioxidant properties derived from the flowering plant Crocus sativus. When used as a supplement, saffron seems to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression and possibly anxiety.

Psyllium

2 shared conditions · 68 outcomes

Psyllium fiber, derived from several species of the Plantago genus, is usually taken in its powdered husk form. It is best known for constipation relief but may hold other benefits for digestive and metabolic health.