Review Articles, HISTORICAL AND CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE HUMAN CONSUMPTION OF NON-NUTRITIVE SWEETENERS (NNS)

Abstract

The trajectory of human introduction to non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is marked by scientific discovery, consumer preferences and regulatory concerns. Ever since the discovery of saccharin by chance in the late 19th century, sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium were developed in the 20th century having their unique taste profiles with minimal to no caloric impact. As the demand for sugar alternatives grew, driven by health concerns and dietary considerations, NNS found their way into an array of food and beverage products. More recently, the advent of stevia, a natural NNS derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has further diversified the market. However, debate about their safety and long-term health effects continue to shape research as well as public discourse. Regulatory bodies worldwide are continually striving to improve guidelines to ensure the safety of these sweeteners. The present review provides historical background, current status and future outlook on the human consumption of NNS and summarizes their evolution in order to identify potential areas for research.