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Sugar shocker in diet' beverages

Doctors warn that regular consumption of these drinks can lead to severe intestinal problems.

Hyderabad: If you thought that ‘diet’ beverages that claim to use artificial sweeteners are healthier than those using sugar, think again. The calorie-free artificial sweetener, acesulfame potassium — added to all beverages along with aspartame — is actually 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, and doctors say it is not recommended for children. Adults, too, should be limiting their intake of these beverages as it affects metabolism and may also cause neurological and gastro problems.

“Beverage firms have been adding these sugars for the last 15 years. A warning for the consumers is mandatory on the containers. But the problem is that many people do not even understand nutrition labels. The writing is also so small that many customers look at only the fat content and if that is determined to be less, they go ahead and buy these products,” nutritionist Dr Sujatha Stephen said.

Doctors warn that regular consumption of these drinks can lead to severe intestinal problems. “The potassium in the artificial sweetener affects the intestine as it can’t accept it and this can cause problems with digestion. There have been cases in which the lining of the intestine has been affected, leading to incomplete absorption of food,” Dr Srinath Kumar, a general physician, added.

Meanwhile, Dr G Kishan, a general physician, says there have been complaints of loss of stamina, laziness and confusion. “Often, in such cases, we find that the patient has been consuming these beverages twice a week,” he said.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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