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Natural Sweeteners: Healthy Options for Your Sweet Tooth

1.5 Contact Hours / 0.15 AOTA CEUs
Target Audience: Nurses, healthcare professionals, and interested individuals
Purpose/Goal: The outcome of this course for the learner is to describe the historical overview of the role of sugar in the American diet, as well as explain the various definitions of sugar, glucose metabolism and the health effects of too much dietary sugar, the glycemic index, artificial and natural alternatives to sugar, and methods of reducing dietary sugar intake.
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Most Americans consume far more sugar than they require, and this contributes to obesity as well as many types of diseases. The role of sugar in the American diet is an important one, and understanding its effect on the body and its role in inflammation and disease can significantly affect one’s health. Alternatives to refined sugar are numerous, but are they safe and effective? Not all sweeteners are created equal and it is important to understand which ones are generally accepted as safe and which ones may threaten one’s health.

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Describe the historical role of sugar in the American diet.
  • Define sugar.
  • Describe how glucose is metabolized in the body.
  • Identify the health effects of sugar on the body.
  • Explain the glycemic index.
  • Compare and contrast artificial and natural alternatives to sugar.
  • Identify methods to reduce dietary sugar intake.

Alexander Pushkin once said, “Ecstasy is a glassful of tea and a piece of sugar in the mouth” (Thinkexist.com, 2015). For those who enjoy sugar (and who doesn’t?), finding healthy options was once very difficult. Today, however, there are many natural options from which to choose. This is important because the consumption of sugar is at an all-time high, and it is affecting the health and well-being of millions of Americans.

Human beings are born with an innate craving for sweets. This craving has existed for millions of years, ever since the very first humans tasted honey or a delicious ripe apple. Our ancestors used sugar in many forms to provide them with quick energy, which was needed for survival if they had to flee an enemy or a potential predator (Pappas, 2011; Sohn, 2010).

Approximately 15 million years ago, a dramatic change occurred in the way our bodies metabolized and stored calories obtained from sugar. Our ancestors developed genetic mutations that made it easy for them to store calories and gain weight when they ate fructose (the sugar commonly found in fruit). These mutations allowed them to survive seasonal periods of famine when there was no fruit or other form of sugar. The genetic mutations had another effect, too. They led to an increase in the amount of uric acid in our bodies and the amount of time that uric acid remains in our bodies after eating fructose (or other forms of sugar). High levels of uric acid can lead to diseases such as gout, kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension (Sohn, 2010).

The genetic mutations that allowed our bodies to metabolize and store sugars in a more productive way served us well when we lived in a hunting, gathering, and physically active society. However, the ancient mutation that once supported our very survival no longer supports health in our modern times. Along with the easy availability of great amounts of food and sugar as well as a more sedentary lifestyle, our genetic ability to store calories from sugar may actually contribute to illness and disease instead of saving our lives (Sohn, 2010).

Complete the course post exam (CE Test) with a score of 80% or greater. Complete all fields of the course evaluation form. Certificate of Completion is provided once the course post exam is passed per criteria above.

  • American Board of Managed Care Nursing
    The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
  • ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
  • AOTA - American Occupational Therapy Association
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Approved Provider # 3166
  • California Board of Behavioral Sciences
    California Board of Behavioral Sciences Provider Number PCE 1564. Course meets the qualifications for the stated hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
  • California Board of Registered Nursing
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.
  • California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section
    The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
  • District of Columbia Board of Nursing
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE BROKER after successful completion.
  • Florida Board of Nursing
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of nursing (CE Provider # 50-12076). Courses are automatically submitted to CE Broker.
  • Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing Assistants
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
  • Florida Board of Respiratory Care
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care
  • Florida Council of Dietetics and Nutrition
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Dietetitics and Nutrition
  • Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery
  • NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors
    This course has been approved by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #813, ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
  • NCBTMB -National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Provider Number 451562-11.
  • Florida Board of Massage Therapists
    ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Massage Therapists
AOTA CEUs:

0.15

Practice Level:

Introductory

Content Focus:

Foundational Knowledge

Course Expires:

June 01, 2025

Instructor(s):
  • Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC
  • Caroline Young, MPH
Jurisdictional Requirements:

Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation Information.

Accommodations for Disabilities:

Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact us.

Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships:

The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.

Commercial Support:

No commercial support has been received for this activity.

Non-endorsement of products:

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC approval or endorsement of any commercial product.

Off-label Use of Products:

None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

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