Saccharin is a sweetening agent that is about 300 to 500 times sweeter than ordinary sugar, saccharin is widely used as a sugar substitute. It is classified as a non-caloric sweetener. Saccharin has an unpleasant bitter or metallic aftertaste.

How Saccharin was discovered? Saccharin was discovered in 1879 by Constantine Fahlberg, while working in the laboratory of Ira Remsen, by accident while working in the lab, he spilled a chemical on his hand. Later, while eating dinner, Fahlberg noticed a more sweetness in the bread he was eating. He traced the sweetness back to the chemical he was working in earlier, later named saccharin.

Uses: Saccharin main use has been as a sweetener in diet sodas and other low-calorie beverages and foods such as baked goods, jams, chewing gum, canned fruit, candy, dessert toppings and salad dressings.

Saccharin for Diabetics: In 1907, saccharin was used as a replacement for sugar in foods for diabetics. Many diabetics turn to saccharin-sweetened foods and beverages because their bodies cannot properly metabolize sugar. But there are evidences that saccharin may contribute to hypoglycemia and insulin shock, therefore diabetics should consume saccharin-sweetened substances only under medical supervision.

Saccharin and Aspartame: Blends of saccharin with other sweeteners are often used to compensate for each sweetener's weaknesses. Saccharin is often used together with aspartame in diet soda, so that some sweetness remains should the fountain syrup be stored beyond aspartame's relatively short shelf life.

Controversy: Saccharinis one of the most studied food additives in the food industry today. Even though research indicates saccharin is safe for human consumption, there has been controversy over its safety. The basis for the controversy is based primarily on findings of bladder tumors in some male rats fed high doses of sodium saccharin.

As consumers it is our responsibility to educate ourselves on what is good and bad for our health. Some research favor the use of this artificial sweetener and some says it hazardous to our health. If you can't help using artificial sweetener it is always important to know that moderation is very important. Anything that is taken in excess is harmful to the body.