Can normal people consume zero-calorie sugar long-term?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Zero-calorie sugar is a sugar substitute that does not participate in metabolism. It is safe for healthy individuals to consume zero-calorie sugar over a long period, although excessive intake is not recommended as it may affect human metabolism and appetite. If a healthy person consumes only zero-calorie sugar over a prolonged period, malnutrition may easily occur. It is advisable to maintain healthy eating habits and ensure a balanced, nutritious diet.
Generally speaking, healthy individuals can consume zero-calorie sweeteners over a long period, but should do so in moderation to avoid potential adverse effects on the body. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Zero-calorie sweeteners are common sugar substitutes that do not participate in human metabolism after ingestion. Healthy individuals can usually consume them long-term without causing excessive sugar levels in the body. Although zero-calorie sweeteners provide no or very few calories, excessive consumption may affect metabolic function and appetite. Therefore, even for healthy individuals, moderate intake is recommended. In daily diets, people typically consume sugars from sources such as fruits, vegetables, candies, and desserts, which generally provide sufficient energy to maintain normal bodily functions, making additional sugar supplementation unnecessary. Excessive sugar intake may elevate blood glucose levels and negatively impact health.
If healthy individuals consume zero-calorie sweeteners over a prolonged period, it may lead to insufficient intake of essential nutrients and increase the risk of malnutrition. Hence, it is recommended that healthy individuals maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring dietary diversity and avoiding long-term reliance on a single type of food.
