Saccharin is a non-nutritive, artificial sweetener that has been used for over a century to sweeten food and beverages without calories. While it is widely considered safe by health authorities, questions remain about its potential benefits and risks. What is Saccharin?Saccharin is a non-nutritive sweetener, produced by chemically altering o-toluene sulfonamide or phthalic anhydride. It is about 300-400 times sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve a sweet taste. Since it’s not metabolized by the body, it doesn’t contribute calories or carbs. While it’s commonly used in diet sodas, baked goods, and certain medicines, its bitter aftertaste often prompts manufacturers to combine it with other sweeteners, such as aspartame.It is widely considered safe by health authorities across the world. While early studies in the 1970s linked it to bladder cancer in rats, subsequent tests found no such risk in humans. As a result, saccharin's status was changed to "not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans." Nevertheless, the lack of long-term studies in humans makes many health experts sceptical about it. Sources Of SaccharinSaccharin is commonly found in low-calorie foods and beverages, including diet sodas, candy, and chewing gum. It's also used in some cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In the EU, saccharin appears on labels as E954. Common brands include Sweet ‘N Low and Sweet Twin.How Much Can You Safely Consume?The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set an acceptable daily intake of saccharin at 2.3 mg per pound of body weight. For a 154-pound person, this translates to about 350 mg per day—equivalent to consuming several cans of diet soda daily without health risks.Can It Help You Lose Weight?Using saccharin as a sugar substitute may help with weight management by reducing calorie intake. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may even slightly reduce calorie intake and promote modest weight loss. However, other research suggests that the long-term use of artificial sweeteners could increase cravings, leading to potential overeating and weight gain.Notably, saccharin is often recommended as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes, as it does not affect blood glucose levels. Most evidence suggests that saccharin and other artificial sweeteners have minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making them a suitable choice for those looking to manage their diabetes. It Is Also Good For Dental Health? Unlike sugar, saccharin is not fermented by bacteria in the mouth, meaning it doesn’t contribute to cavities. Using saccharin in place of sugar could potentially reduce the risk of dental decay, though other ingredients in sweetened foods, such as acids in soft drinks, may still pose a risk.Although saccharin is deemed safe, some research has raised concerns about its effect on gut bacteria. Early studies suggest that it may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, which is linked to various health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential risks.ALSO READ: What Is Allulose? Assessing the Risks of Artificial Sweeteners