What is it?
Saccharin is a synthetic substitute sweetener made in a lab by oxidizing the chemicals phthalic anhydride or o-toluene sulfonamide.
Keto Status?
Debatable
Why?
Saccharin isn’t metabolized by the body and doesn’t affect blood sugar the same way refined sugar does. Several animal studies in the 1970s associated saccharin with the development of bladder cancer. Despite it being classified as possibly cancerous to humans, further research failed to solidify this connection in humans. More research is needed on the long-term safety of saccharin. Observational human studies showed no clear association between cancer risk and saccharin consumption Due to a lack of evidence, the classification was changed to ‘not classifiable as cancerous to humans’ Some health experts still recommend avoiding saccharin and feel observational studies aren’t strong enough to rule out an increased cancer risk with saccharin consumption.
Possible Side Effects From Ingesting Saccharin?
Overall, research on saccharin’s health effects is mixed, with some studies suggesting it may have negative effects on gut and metabolic health in some people. Studies in rats showed a possible link to cancer, but there was no clear correlation when studied on humans.
Source
PLEASE NOTE – I Heart Keto Mart will add more sources and up-to-date research articles as they come to our attention. We welcome any of our viewers to send us any information/research/articles that you think would be of interest to our rating decision. Keep in mind – we are not rating ingredients solely on their general health benefits or side effects. To see our rating process, click on the link below.
I Heart Keto Mart Rating Guide
I Heart Keto Mart rates all ingredients through a “keto diet” & “low carb diet” lens. As an example, peas would be rated as “Acceptable” on a non-keto healthy diet; however, due to their carbohydrate level, we rate them “Objectionable”. We also rate all sweeteners that typically cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin levels as “Objectionable”. If you prefer a natural sweetener, like honey, over a sugar alcohol like erythritol, you may not agree with our “Objectionable” rating. I Heart Keto Mart rates all ingredients based first and foremost for those that have a sugar/carbohydrate addiction. Ingredients are rated for those who must moderate if not completely abstain from any sugars. If you have questions about this, please refer to this article: Why Some Whole Foods Are Not Keto Friendly
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