Preview

Artificial Sweetener: An Economic Analysis

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
950 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Artificial Sweetener: An Economic Analysis
The economic aspect
In terms of the economy, there has been an inconclusive debate about whether artificial sweeteners could be used in food and beverages as a sweetener material. The use of these sweeteners has some positive effects on the economy by increasing the production and creating new jobs. Additionally, they could reduce the obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, which could decrease the health care cost. On the other hand, the consumption of artificial sweeteners may lead to negative implications for the economy, for instance, it may lead to some diseases, such as cancer. These diseases may increase the health care cost which has a negative effect on the economy. This section is going to investigate how artificial sweeteners tend to
…show more content…
For example, in England the dental care cost the NHS around 3.7 billion pounds annually (Medas 2012). A study by Neacşu and Madar (2014:63) state that artificial sweeteners are “tooth-friendly” the study also points out that artificial sweetener sticking to the surface of the tooth. Therefore, it can inhibit the formation of plaque (the bacterial layer which accumulates on the teeth) that led to tooth decomposition.
The main strong point of this study is that it astutely compares the difference between the effect of consumption natural sugar and artificial sweeteners on the tooth. Additionally, the study has obviously demonstrated the mechanism of tooth protection from decay by consuming artificial sweeteners. It is also explained that the natural sugars stick to the tooth enamel, then the bacteria feed the consumed sugar converting it into acidic substance. As a result, the acidic material could tear the tooth structure and lead to cavities. Conversely, bacteria have no ability to ferment artificial sweeteners into acid, because sugars have a different chemical structure from artificial sweetener. Therefore, the tooth would not affected by these sweeteners. It is therefore seems that the use of artificial sweeteners has a positive impact on the economy by decreasing the dental care cost through protecting the tooth
…show more content…
In 2012 diabetes cost NHS in the UK approximately 14 billion pounds for treating it and its complications (Kanavos et al. 2012). A report by Health and Social Care Information Centre (2014) reported that more than 45 million medications prescribed to treat diabetes in the England during 2013-14, the estimated cost of these medications was around 800 million pounds. However, a study by Khan (2015) empathizes that the consumption of artificial sweeteners can assist patients who suffer from diabetes to control the glucose level in their blood. Therefore, the consumption of these sweeteners has a positive effect on the economy by reducing the health care for diabetic

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    HFCS strongly influence the American eating habit and put American’s health into a depth of despair. Research showed that between the years from 1970 to 1990, American consumed HFCS as a sugar substitute has increased 1000%. “It now represents 40% of the non-calorie-free sweeteners added to U.S foods and is virtually the only source of sweeteners for soft drinks.” Scott mentioned. Overly in taking of HFCS is also coming with economical concern. HFCS is very cheap, which has allowed for “25¢ snack cakes, 60¢ candy bars, and especially giant-sized soft drinks in stores” declared by Scott Field on The fact on the land. Although people immersed in the fantasies created by HFCS, cheap and non-calories, the function of human body to process fructose is totally different from it does glucose, which means even HFCS doesn’t come with calories, but doesn’t mean it couldn’t directly transfer fructose into fat. So, it is not surprising that HFCS’s sales skyrocket, the American waistline is keeping…

    • 376 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    The supporters of artificial sweeteners choose to believe the information given by Searle and Rumsfeld, that aspartame is safe and harmless dispite the negative study results received, and the misrepresentaion of those results to the FDA. The information collected regarding the adverse reactions, side effects and critical symptoms of aspartame poisoning, give probable cause for additional research in order to preserve the quality of human life. Aspartame, presumed safe for human consumption, is potentially a hazardous health…

    • 1537 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Both high fructose corn syrup and any other sweetener gives food a more pleasurable taste and they contain about the same amount of calories. High fructose corn syrup and sugar are metabolically similar and both cause negative effects on the body when not eaten in moderation (Hyman). Vast amounts of HFCS promotes teeth decay and it raises triglyceride levels in the blood which increases the risk of heart disease. It makes the liver fatty which increases the risk of diabetes and fructose affects hormone levels like insulin which results in obesity (Food Additives – CSPI’s). High fructose corn syrup punches holes within the intestinal lining allowing bacteria from toxic gut byproducts and partially ingested food proteins to infiltrate into the blood stream which provokes obesity, diabetes, and cancer…

    • 732 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Week 2 Ilab Nutrition

    • 442 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Discuss safety and the sweetener that you have selected. When pure, sucrose has an energy content of 3.94 kilocalories per gram, which helps give someone that instant “jolt of energy” they are looking for. This becomes unsafe when consumed in large amounts and when looking at it from a health standpoint, should not be used for that jolt. When using Sucrose in moderation, or small doses, it does not pose as may risk factors as it does when over consumed. Also, please note that there really is not any nutritional value in Sucrose itself. Typically, sucrose is spoken of as table sugar. The most common health risk of Sucrose would be linked to tooth decay and other dental issues. Other health issues linked to a diet with an over-abundance of sucrose would be hypoglycemia or diabetes mellitus.…

    • 442 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    We spend more than a trillion dollars each year fighting the damaging health effects of sugar. This, combined with the massive waste, fraud, and inefficiency of our healthcare system, make it completely unsustainable over time.…

    • 1707 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Is HFCS use ethical?

    • 1492 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Corn is among the most planted and produced crops in the US. According to 2013 statistics, the US is the largest corn producer in the world with 80 million acres of corn fields and almost $64 billion annual sales. Besides its consumption as raw food, industrial processing of corn yields high economic value. Among industrial uses of corn, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is the most controversial one from an ethics perspective. HFCS is an artificial sweetener that is found in a wide range of processed foods. It is produced by applying enzymatic processes to convert corn’s glucose into fructose. HCFS is used as a sweetener in various foods and beverages such as yogurts, breakfast bars, cereals, breads, soups, lunch meats, and soft drinks. Since 1970s, it has become the most economical alternative to cane sugar and replaced most of its use as an industrial sweetener. Due to quotas on domestic increased tariffs on sugar imports, the US has the highest price for sugar around the world while government subsidies to corn production make HFCS a much cheaper alternative to sugar. Moreover, HFCS is easy to transport, %20 sweeter than table sugar, and extends the shelf life of products. As a result, HFCS has become a major substitute for cane sugar for the U.S industry such that soft drink giants like Coke and Pepsi use HFCS in their products instead of sugar since 1984. Despite its economic value, HFCS is shown to be related to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. This paper examines the ethical issues of HFCS use in foods and beverages.…

    • 1492 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Sucrose

    • 574 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The body makes glucose by breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats. 15% of the American diet consists of added sugar. Sweetened beverages are the leading source of added sugar in the United States. There is a clear correlation between high sugar consumption and obesity and bad heart health. In laboratory experiments artificial sweeteners added to a rat’s diet caused their body’s to become confused and caused weight loss. The intensity of sweeteners can actually lead to a “sweet tooth” which makes the individual crave sugar and eat more than necessary. Children who are raised on sugar will live on…

    • 574 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Sugar Coated

    • 1277 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Americans consume around 100 pounds of sugar per year. The daily consumption of sugar has increased worldwide by 46% in the last 30 years (“Sugar”). The Netflix film “Sugar Coated” shows what people have been ignoring over the years about sugar. "As obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates skyrocket and doctors treat the first generation of children suffering from fatty liver disease, the sugar industry is under siege,” (“Sugar”). This means that more diseases are starting to come while the sugar industry is only growing. Also, this problem doesn’t just affect health, it affects everyday life. "This problem affects you at home, this problem affects you at work, this problem affects your business deals, and…

    • 1277 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Aspartame

    • 1057 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Artificial sweeteners are a food additive that attempts to duplicate the taste of sugar while using less food energy. In the article, “Fat Chance: Diet Coke Fights Obesity”, by Katherine Paul and Ronnie Cummins they discuss that it was an odd kind of humor when Coca Cola launched their campaign to fight obesity, and all pointed out that a lack of exercise and laziness were the key cause of obesity. Due to the fact that aspartame does in fact cause weight gain and interlinked with brain tumors, it is a very harmful so called “drug”. Paul and Ronnie state: “The link between aspartame and increased weight gain is old news. So is the fact that aspartame, far from being a “healthy alternative” to sugar or anything else, has for years been the focus of…

    • 1057 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Aspartame

    • 1333 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Aspartame has been proven to be 160 to 220 times sweeter then real sugar This synthetic chemical is commonly known as NutraSweet or Equal. Over half of the U.S. population currently consumes it. Aspartame came onto the market in 1981, and has accounted for more then half of all the complaints that the FDA receives each year. Aspartame was accidentally discovered in 1965 by a chemist trying to develop an ulcer drug. The FDA earlier then 1981 did not approve it because it had been tested with animals that eventually contracted brain tumors and had seizures. Eventually the FDA caved into the political and money making scheme. Since it's release it has been supported by few and condoned by many. "The dangers of aspartame include headache, dizziness, poor equilibrium, confusion, impaired or double vision, convulsions, ringing in the ears, slurred speech, tremors, extreme fatigue, motor and sensory disturbances affecting the limbs, and other neuropsychiatry complaints" (Blaylock 4). The most common ways to be exposed to Aspartame are through "diet" soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners, and sugar-free gums. Unfortunately, another tragic problem has been neglected: addiction to aspartame products. When people realize that aspartame might be hurting them they try to stop and they then suffer from with-drawl affects. The FDA to this day still supports its decision to keep making aspartame and continues to do so. While researching this topic I found it very hard to find any concrete evidence that aspartame is harmful to your health. I found several internet articles that were against the sale and use of aspartame. I also found books at the library that gave scientific proof that aspartame was not safe to eat. Granted that there are two sides to every story, I will give evidence from both sides of the spectrum. In this project, this paper will examine both sides of the aspartame issue. Then the paper will discuss why the FDA should take Aspartame out the…

    • 1333 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Artificial sweeteners are chemicals or natural compounds that replace the sweetness of sugar, without all of the calories. But sometimes the label 'sugar-free' masks calories present in the food or drink. Aspartame, which is in Equal is a common chemical sweetener with crazy possible side effects. Effects include hallucinations to seizures and brain tumors; it is hardly worth consuming for the sake of saved calories in my opinion. Then you also have Sucralose, which is known as Splenda. Recent research suggests that Splenda can enlarge both the liver and kidneys and shrink the thymus glands. Splenda reportedly can cause skin rashes, panic, diarrhea, headaches, bladder issues, stomach pain, and those side effects don't even sum it up. In addition to all of this, consider the waste involved in the industry of artificially sweetening. Ever stepped into a coffee shop and noticed a mound of sugar substitute packets building on the counter or in the trash? We've been wasting one of our most precious resources for the sake of a sweetener that can harm our bodies and prevent weight loss. So what you can do instead to get your sugar fix? Turn to natural sweeteners for your drinks and food alike. Honey, agave nector, organic maple syrup, brown rice syrup, and stevia are just a few natural sweeteners you can turn to. Not only will they wreak your body less, but your support of these sweeteners instead will, eventually, help to slow the production of toxic artificial sweeteners. I am interested in this topic because so many people that I know use artificial sugar. My mom however, has never let us use things like sweet and low or splenda because she was always aware of the bad things that happen in your body because of these artificial sugars. I want to be able to answer the question “well why is it bad?” when people ask me why they shouldn’t use splenda and sweet and low. I will approach this as an informative paper, letting the audience know why…

    • 358 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    From 1985 to 1997, school districts decreased the amount of milk they bought by nearly thirty percent and increased purchases of soda by one-thousand and one-hundred percent. (Roberts) About fifty-six to eighty-five percent of school age children consume at least one soft drink daily. (Roberts) Children these days are not getting enough calcium, mainly because of the large consumption of soft drinks. Instead of grabbing a glass of milk, most kids, teens and adults would rather drink soda. The effects of the preservatives and artificial sweeteners can break down the enamel on your teeth, making them prone to rotting. The reason that most people who drink to much soda have or are more prone to rotting teeth, cavities, etc., is because sugary drinks coat you teeth, gums and tongue for hours after you drink them, and most people don’t rinse or brush their teeth right after drinking soda. (Anne) When tooth decay starts to reach the nerve, the root, and the area at the base of the tooth, the tooth may die and, if let untreated, an abscess can develop. (Term Life Insurance) Drinking soda through a straw can help prevent corroding your teeth because the beverage goes straight into the back of your throat. (Anne) Soda has a pH of 2.5 to 3.0, or around…

    • 1438 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    But most people don't think just how extremely expensive treatment can be, when it comes to medical costs. According to the Center for Disease Control “the cost annual cost of diabetes rose to $245 billion in 2012, Rising $71 billion in just 5 years.” With the way the economy is in the world today it just makes sense that we would want to pay less for medical treatment for things that can be prevented by the regulation of sugar. In an article called “Do Americans Face too many Obstacles healthy eating?” by Barbara Mantel, she provides information on just how many adults face obesity.…

    • 1061 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Artificial Sweeteners

    • 672 Words
    • 3 Pages

    There are several different types of sugar substitutes commonly used. Artificial sweeteners are typically synthetic meaning they are made in a laboratory and non-nutritive, which means they don’t contain calories and don’t supply your body with energy, vitamins, or anything beneficial to your body. A teaspoon of sugar contains about 16 calories, so people trying to maintain or lose weight often turn to artificial sweeteners to satisfy their sweet tooth. Sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, maltitol and xylitol, and natural sweeteners, such as honey, on the other hand, usually do contain calories. The most popular types of sugar substitutes in the US and many other countries are artificial sweeteners. These synthetic substitutes are many times sweeter than sugar, so less is needed to obtain the same level of sweetness as something containing sugar. They can also intensify and prolong flavors, which is why you may find that the flavor of artificially sweetened chewing gum lasts longer than sugar sweetened gum. Sweeteners can be used in the home for baking, and they can also be found in many processed products including soft drinks, candy, and canned foods. They are becoming more popular as tabletop sweeteners at home and are available at nearly all restaurants and food chains to put in coffee and tea (Han). Commonly used natural sweeteners include honey, molasses, maple syrup and agave nectar. Most of these natural sweeteners contain either fructose meaning the kind of sugar found in fruit or glucose which is found in a variety of foods such as grains, fruits and vegetables, which are two types of simple sugars. Often, natural sweeteners are advertised as a healthier alternative to table sugar because they are not processed. However, most of these have just as many calories…

    • 672 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Several other high intensity sweeteners poised to enter U.S. and European markets in the coming years…

    • 1048 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays