Artificial sweetener saccharin crystals, LM

Photomicrograph of crystals of saccharin. Saccharin is an artificial sweetener which is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a substitute for sugar. It is between 200-700 times sweeter than sugar, has no nutritional benefit and leaves a bitter, metallic aftertaste when used in high concentrations. Replacing sugar with low calorie sweeteners is one way to reduce sugar intake, and may be of benefit for individuals who are overweight or suffering from diabetes as they don't contain any calories and do not raise blood glucose levels when eaten. Saccharin and some other artificial sugar substitutes can cause allergic reactions in some individuals which can lead to headaches, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea and skin problems. Horizontal width of image is 0.5 mm.