The first popular artificial sweetening agent is

Options

A. 1)Saccharin
B. 2)Aspartame
C. 3)Alitame
D. 4)Both (2) & (3)

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the first popular artificial sweetening agent. This implies we need to identify a sweetener that is not naturally occurring but was widely accepted and used.

2. **Identifying Natural Sweeteners**: Before we can identify the artificial sweetener, it’s helpful to understand what natural sweeteners are. Common natural sweeteners include sucrose (table sugar), glucose, and fructose. These sweeteners add calories and can be problematic for individuals with diabetes.

3. **Introduction to Artificial Sweeteners**: Artificial sweeteners are compounds that provide a sweet taste with little or no calories. They are often used as substitutes for sugar, especially by those who need to manage their calorie intake or blood sugar levels.

4. **Recognizing Saccharin**: Among the various artificial sweeteners, saccharin is noted as the first popular one. It was discovered in the late 19th century and became widely used in the early 20th century. Saccharin is known for being much sweeter than sugar, allowing for smaller quantities to be used.

5. **Properties of Saccharin**: Saccharin is unique because it can be excreted from the body unchanged, making it a safe option for diabetic patients and those looking to reduce calorie intake. It does not contribute to tooth decay, unlike natural sugars.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, the answer to the question is that the first popular artificial sweetening agent is **saccharin**.

**Final Answer**: The first popular artificial sweetening agent is saccharin.

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