ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS: - University of Maryland

Figure 16. Elimination of Steviol. (37)
On December 17, 2008 the FDA granted GRAS status to manufacturers Cargill and
Merisant to produce rebauside A according to specified purity guidelines. (38,39) This
allows these companies to use rebiana as a food additive in accordance to FDA ruling.
There has always been an interest in a sugar alternative for persons living with diabetes,
and secondary benefit to an alternative would be for those looking to reduce their caloric
intake. Although, glucose is still necessary for energy production in the body, there is
sufficient quantity achieved through other carbohydrate means. Those that are considered
diabetic sugars are listed as such because they do not activate insulin production from the
pancreas. Not all are a benefit over the simple sugar molecule, and must be evaluated for
their benefits over their detriments. Whether the choice of an artificial sweetener over a
natural/harvest crop sugar is due to medicinal reasons or dietary restriction, there are
good options to support any decision. Artificial sweeteners are proven to be a safe
alternative to sucrose, and a person is given a variety to choose from depending upon the