Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D Responds:

Miriam E. Nelson, PhD, of Tufts University and the best-selling author of the Strong Women book series, responds: There's been a lot of interest in the use, potential benefits, and safety of artificial sweeteners. It's important to keep in mind that some sweeteners (those containing aspartame, such as Nutrasweet and Equal) are diminished by exposure to heat, so they may not be appropriate for cooking and baking. Also, the amount of artificial sweetener called for in a recipe is not always equivalent to sugar. It's best to use recipes developed for specific sweeteners. This is especially true for baked goods, particularly cakes and brownies, because sugar adds moisture and texture, not just taste. Also, some people find that sweeteners leave a bitter aftertaste, so you'll need to experiment to find the one you prefer.

Artificial sweeteners have many benefits. To start with, they don't promote tooth decay. And because artificial sweeteners are a concentrated source of sweetness, very little is needed in food products or recipes, which results in minimal or no affect on blood glucose levels (important for diabetics). They contain fewer calories, which is important for weight control. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts and snacks made with artificial sweeteners may be a good alternative to traditional options. From a health perspective, artificial sweeteners are considered safe for most people. Exceptions: Aspartame should be avoided by those with phenylketonuria (PKU) or liver disease.