NNNS: Adverse Effects (2011)

Adverse effects of Saccharin

Note: Only non-nutritive sweeteners approved by the FDA and considered to be safe for human consumption are included in the N&NNS evidence analysis project. These include: acesulfame-K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, stevia, and sucrolose. Learn more.

Non-nutritive sweeteners and FDA

ADA does not evaluate safety; however we do summarize the human subject research published in peer-reviewed journals regarding adverse effects.

Assessment
What is the evidence from human subjects research that saccharin consumption is associated with adverse effects in the general population?
- Conclusion
  Limited research in humans, from peer-reviewed journals, did not find an association between adverse effects and the intake of saccharin in the general population. No data from longitudinal cohort studies were available for review.
  
  The 2009 update did not find new studies meeting the inclusion criteria for this question; the Nutritive and Non-nutritive Sweeteners Workgroup (2009) reviewed and accepted the studies (Sommer et al 2004, Weihrauch and Diehl 2004, and Jensen and Kamby 1982) identified by the Non-nutritive Sweeteners Workgroup (2006).
- Grade: III
  - Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
  - Grade II is Fair;
  - Grade III is Limited/Weak;
  - Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
  - Grade V is Not Assignable.
  - High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
  - Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
  - Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
  - Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
  - Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.