Use of non sugar sweeteners WHO guideline (original) (raw)

Clearing the Myths around non-nutritive/noncaloric Sweeteners: An Efficacy and Safety Evaluation

Journal of Association of Physicians of India, 2022

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are used to substitute sugar in the diet and are approved by the regulatory bodies in many countries, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/the World Health Organization (WHO). Non-nutritive sweeteners are here to stay, as it is an effective strategy to reduce sugar and caloric intake which is a public health priority today. It is a tool to increase dietary compliance in the management of obesity and diabetes and is a partner for fitness seekers. However, the debate on its safety and efficacy continues, including several myths associated with its usage. This review has evaluated the scientific literature in-depth and concludes that NNSs are safe to use within an acceptable daily intake (ADI). Non-nutritive sweeteners are beneficial for their intended use, including weight management and diabetes control when consumed as a part of a dietary management program. The current data do not provide sufficient evidence that NNSs can affect the gut microbiome, and more research, particularly at relevant doses, is required. We also need more randomized control trials (RCTs) among the Indian population on the impact of sugar reduction with NNSs and its health benefits to strengthen the evidence for its use in medical nutrition management and preventive health, helping the individual make an informed choice.

Non-Nutritive Sweeteners: We Need To Balance The Scales

2020

One method to reduce caloric and sugar intake is non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) such as acesulfame K, aspartame and saccharin. These are additions to food and beverages that replace the sweet taste of sugar, but with negligible calories. Despite the theoretical application, a unified consensus is lacking regarding their use for weight management. On their own, NNS do not reduce weight [3], but an energy reduction can be achieved when used as a sugar substitute. This potential is undermined by an increasingly inflammatory rejection of NNS, complicated by the extrapolation of animal studies and conflation of correlation with causality.

Non Nutritive Sweeteners - Current Perspective

Romanian Journal of Diabetes Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 2017

High sugar diet plays a major contributing role in the increased prevalence of obesity and vital health concerns such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), ischemic heart disease (IHD), hypertension, and cerebrovascular stroke. Therefore increased obesity related mortality has resulted in a surge of weight loss diets and products including non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). NNS are food supplements that imitate the effect of sugar in taste with lesser calories. This has led to the increased global use of NNS. Diabetic subjects can enjoy the taste of meals by including NNS without increasing calorie intake. Various NNS are available in the market, giving a wide range of choice available to the diabetics. Their use has both pro and cons, therefore its use must be decided by the physician depending upon clinical profile of the patient. Judicious use of artificial sweeteners can thus help patients to lead a healthy and prosperous life without compromising with taste.

Low-/No-Calorie Sweeteners: A Review of Global Intakes

Nutrients, 2018

The current review examined published data on the intake of all major low-/no-calorie sweeteners-aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, sucralose, cyclamate, thaumatin and steviol glycosides-globally over the last decade. The most detailed and complex exposure assessments were conducted in Europe, following a standardized approach. Japan and Korea similarly had up-to-date and regular intake data available. The data for other Asian countries, Latin America, Australia/New Zealand and global estimates, evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), while available, were shown to be more limited in terms of design. Overall, the studies conducted since 2008 raised no concerns with respect to exceedance of individual sweetener acceptable daily intake (ADIs) among the general population globally. The data identified do not suggest a shift in exposure over time, with several studies indicating a reduction in intake. However, some data suggest there may have been an ...

Ibero-American Consensus on Low-and No-Calorie Sweeteners: Safety, Nutritional Aspects and Benefits in Food and Beverages

International scientific experts in food, nutrition, dietetics, endocrinology, physical activity, paediatrics, nursing, toxicology and public health met in Lisbon on 2–4 July 2017 to develop a Consensus on the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) as substitutes for sugars and other caloric sweeteners. LNCS are food additives that are broadly used as sugar substitutes to sweeten foods and beverages with the addition of fewer or no calories. They are also used in medicines, health-care products, such as toothpaste, and food supplements. The goal of this Consensus was to provide a useful, evidence-based, point of reference to assist in efforts to reduce free sugars consumption in line with current international public health recommendations.

Low and no calorie sweeteners, diet and health: an updated overview

Nutrición Hospitalaria

Introduction: currently, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the potential health benefits and risks associated with the use of low and/or no calorie sweeteners (LNCS). Objective: in the present work, the objective was to briefly address the current role of LNCS consumption in the diet and its effects on health. Methods: a brief narrative review of the most recent studies and policies available was carried out. Results: a limited number of representative studies on the consumption of LNCS and their effect on health are presently available. However, these mostly indicate that the consumption of LNCS can be a useful tool along with other nutritional strategies in the treatment of overweight, obesity, diabetes and the prevention of caries when used appropriately in the context of a balanced diet and physical activity. Still, it is necessary to be cautious with the consumption of certain sweeteners since the effects of LNCS on the intestinal microbiota or its effect on premature deliveries, among others, have not been fully elucidated. Conclusions: it is essential to carry out further studies in order to clarify/establish the safety and value of sweeteners as food ingredients/additives in the medium/long term, in a model of increasing consumption as a consequence of the reformulation of many foods.

Low- and No- Calorie Sweeteners (LNCS): critical evaluation of their safety and health risks

Food Science and Technology

The increase of the prevalence of type-2 diabetes as a consequence of overweight and obesity has stimulated public health authorities worldwide to develop strategies for its risk management and prevention. Among them, a reduction on the content of sugar in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages has been suggested, which led the food industry to replace partially sucrose with food additives, such as low-and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS). As a consequence, there has been an increase of their consumption, which has made regulatory agencies to evaluate their exposure and possible consequences. At the same time, speculations about adverse effects, such as carcinogenicity, preterm delivery and metabolic changes involving appetite, weight increase and glucose intolerance, have been published. This scenario led ILSI Brasil to organize a meeting to update scientific knowledge on the safety of LNCS and to promote discussions among academia, regulatory bodies and food industries to clarify currently controversial information. The results of this initiative are presented in this review. Ot is suggested that LNCS, when used according to recommendations provided by scientific committees and regulatory authorities are considered safe. Further studies are required to evaluate the current level of exposure in general population and specific ones as children.

Non-caloric sweeteners and body weight

Medicina, 2019

Both total caloric intake and consumption of free sugars is higher than recommended. This situation contributes, among many other factors, to the increase of overweight and obesity in the population. To maintain the sweet taste of foods and beverages while reducing the caloric content and the amount of free sugars in said products, many people choose to replace sugary products in their diet for options containing noncaloric sweeteners. This change in their dietary choice is accompanied by an increasing number of consultations with health professionals about the effects that non-caloric sweeteners could have on their body weight. Results reported in different scientific publications seem contradictory in relation to this topic: some of them, showing a positive association between the consumption of non-caloric sweeteners and energy intake and body weight, while others reporting that the consumption of these additives -in replacement of sugar- may lead to a reduction in caloric intake...

Decoding the mystery of non-nutritive sweeteners

Background This commentary explores the landscape of non-nutritive sweeteners, further delves into the historical trajectory and the contemporary surge in the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), along with the accompanying controversies concerning their safety. Objective The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the influences of NNS, drawn from global studies and diverse perspectives. Methods The commentary synthesizes findings from global studies, notably the NutriNet-Santé cohort, exploring associations between specific NNS and health consequences such as cerebrovascular events and malignancies. Additionally, it examines the research on consequences of NNS on gut microbiota and explores concerns linked to gestational diabetes, fetal exposure, and health of the offspring. Results While caution is advised during pregnancy and fetal development due to potential risks, NNS show promise in weight management and short-term dietary goals when used cautiously in lower amounts. The commentary underscores the necessity for inclusive, long-term studies to guide evidence-driven policies and guidelines. Conclusion While the article underscores the complexities and debates surrounding non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), it also sheds light on the positive aspects. In the Indian context, where the intake of sweeteners is relatively low and mainly limited to beverages (tea or coffee), NNS appear to be safe, but prudent use is advocated. The article emphasizes the value of public education on NNS usage and concludes that, overall, NNS are reasonably safe when consumed in moderation. Continued research is needed to elucidate their intricate effects on health and impact on global health outcomes. Implications The article concludes with clear guidelines for using NNS in India, highlighting the need for informed decisionmaking and ongoing research to elucidate their broader health consequences.

Non-Nutritive Sweeteners: Evidence on their Association with Metabolic Diseases and Potential Effects on Glucose Metabolism and Appetite

Revista de investigaci�n Cl�nica

There is ongoing debate concerning non-nutritive sweeteners, their usage, and their effects on metabolism. The association between non-nutritive sweeteners consumption, development of metabolic diseases, and changes in appetite-regulating hormones is not clear. The aim of this article is to present an overview of non-nutritive sweeteners and to examine the scientific evidence of their effects on glucose metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones. Some observational studies suggest an association between non-nutritive sweeteners consumption and development of metabolic diseases; however, adiposity is a confounder frequently found in these studies. Results of the available clinical trials are heterogeneous and not comparable because of major differences between them. Future controlled studies evaluating specific non-nutritive sweeteners, with an appropriate sample size, including a uniform study group, with sufficient exposure time, and considering adjustment for confounder variables, such as anthropometric characteristics, previous consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners, and coexistence of significant metabolic comorbidities, are needed.