This message is regarding Sugar Substitutes Including Aspartame (NutraSweet), Acesulfame and Sucralose (Splenda)

In a large French study, cancer incidence was higher in the population who consume artificial sweeteners. Previously, saccharin was felt to be carcinogenic and others were considered to be safer, but in this study there is increased incidence of cancer with aspartame, acesulfame, and sucralose. Based on this study, caution is needed in those who consume these on a regular basis and in larger quantities. The incidence Breast cancer appears to be of higher in those who consume artificial sweeteners.
In another study published in the journal Cell, non-nutritional sweeteners/artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (NutraSweet) and sucralose (Splenda) apparently can affect the human microbiome and increase insulin resistance, resulting in high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes ( what used to be called adult onset Diabetes). Initially, it was studied in animal models but a recent study confirmed this in a controlled study of 120 healthy adults. This study, published in the journal Cell, included not only saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose, but also Stevia. Stevia was felt to be a natural sugar substitute and felt to be safer, but not according to this study. This study confirmed alteration of the human microbiome with these agents, development of insulin resistance, and poor blood sugar control.
This study published in Journal Cell was a small study and future research is needed with a larger patient population.
The take home message is that these non-nutritional sugar substitutes are not as safe as the general population believes. Stevia is considered to be safer, but this study refutes that Stevia is totally safe and did not differentiate Stevia from the other sugar substitutes. Beware and avoid excessive use of non-nutritional sugar substitutes in soft drinks and other food items such as desserts. It is not just the calories consumed my friend , but microbiome is just as important.