Physicochemical Properties and Metabolic Implications of Selected Artificial and Natural Sweeteners: Sucralose, Aspartame, Stevia, and Monk fruit

Section: Review Articles
Issue
Vol. 48 No. 1 (2026): Volume 48 Issue 1
Pages
115-124

Keywords:

Artificial sweeteners, Natural sweeteners, Metabolic effects, Physicochemical properties

Abstract

Background: The global increase in obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related metabolic disorders has intensified the demand for suitable alternatives to refined sugar. Sweeteners, both natural and artificial, are widely used to reduce caloric intake while maintaining sweetness. However, concerns remain regarding their metabolic effects and long-term safety.


Aim: This review aims to evaluate and compare the physicochemical characteristics, metabolic effects, and safety profiles of selected natural and artificial sweeteners, and to clarify their suitability for industrial food applications and clinical nutrition.


Methods: A narrative review of current scientific literature was conducted on various electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct, focusing on commonly used natural sweeteners, such as stevia and monk fruit extract, and artificial sweeteners, including aspartame and sucralose. Published studies addressing physicochemical properties, metabolic outcomes, effects on gut microbiota, and safety considerations were analyzed. Conclusion: Both natural and artificial sweeteners exhibit distinct physicochemical and metabolic properties that influence their safety and effectiveness in food applications. While natural sweeteners are generally perceived as safer due to their biological origin, artificial sweeteners offer advantages in stability and sweetness intensity. Understanding the relationship between the chemical nature of sweeteners and their metabolic effects is essential for their rational selection and safe utilization in the food industry and clinical nutrition.

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Authors

Asmaa Waadullah Hasan

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

Imad A. Thanoon

Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

Muna Hazim Al-zubaidy

Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/acmm.v48.i1.60614

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Physicochemical Properties and Metabolic Implications of Selected Artificial and Natural Sweeteners: Sucralose, Aspartame, Stevia, and Monk fruit. Ann. coll. Med. Mosul [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 1 [cited 2026 Jul. 18];48(1):115-24. Available from: https://mmed.uomosul.edu.iq/index.php/mmed/article/view/60614

How to Cite

1.
Physicochemical Properties and Metabolic Implications of Selected Artificial and Natural Sweeteners: Sucralose, Aspartame, Stevia, and Monk fruit. Ann. coll. Med. Mosul [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 1 [cited 2026 Jul. 18];48(1):115-24. Available from: https://mmed.uomosul.edu.iq/index.php/mmed/article/view/60614