Low-Calories Sweeteners: Present and Future

The field of artificial sweeteners is a complex one: each sweetener is unique in terms of its composition and taste, and those allowed by legislation vary according to country. Furthermore, they exist certain controversial issues, i.e. are sweeteners really useful in weight management or as an ingredient for people with diabetes, and do they not, through a subtle biological mechanism, trigger appetite rather than reduce it? This book provides a complete update on all aspects of science about sweeteners. One of the matters discussed is whether there is a difference between 'natural' and 'synthetic' substances from the point of view of safety. Attention is also paid to new developments and applications of sweeteners, as well as to the usefulness and relevance of low-calorie sweeteners in nutrition and as one aspect of weight control and calorie intake. Lastly, consumer preferences and the differing perceptions, according to geographical regions, of sweetener-containing products are evaluated. The book concludes with a section on world trade rules.