Why is there a confusion about sweeteners’ role in weight and glucose control?
Science news from the FINUT 2020 virtual Conference Highlights: Conflicting outcomes between controlled clinical trials and observational studies are often the cause of confusion about low/no calorie sweeteners’ effects on health. Limitations of observational study design do not allow to draw conclusions on cause-and-effect relationships, while randomised controlled studies offer higher quality evidence. When interpreting […]
Sugar reduction and low/no calorie sweeteners: policies, evidence and dietary practice
Key remarks of a webinar by the European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) Highlights: As a result of public health concerns about excess sugar consumption, European countries are implementing a range of policies to lower population sugars intake. Food and drink reformulation and portion size reduction by the food industry are some of the […]
Managing our desire for “something sweet” while staying at home. Can low/no calorie sweeteners help?
This year has been marked by an unprecedented situation around the world. National authorities worldwide have urged people to stay at home to stay safe and to help countries contain the spread of COVID-19. As a consequence, and beyond the need for everyone to stay safe and healthy, many of our daily routines have been […]
Experts reach consensus over the role of low/no calorie sweeteners in public health
Highlights: Reduction in the excessive intake of sugars is being recommended globally to lower the risk and prevalence of obesity. Low/no calorie sweeteners are one of the strategies to consider. Experts agreed that, when used in place of sugars to reduce energy density of foods and drinks, low/no calorie sweeteners can help reduce net energy (calorie) intake […]
Low/no calorie sweeteners: Safety, emerging research and recommendations
Science news from the 12th EFAD Conference 2019 Highlights: All approved low/no calorie sweeteners have undergone a thorough risk assessment by food safety authorities globally before being approved for use on the market. Low/no calorie sweeteners are used in very small amounts in foods and drinks and current evidence does not support the claim that […]
The use of low/no calorie sweeteners in children: an analysis of scientific evidence
A review of the policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics Highlights: All approved low/no-calorie sweeteners have undergone a stringent safety evaluation by food safety authorities around the world who consistently confirm their safety. Clinical studies show that substituting sugary products with low/no calorie sweetened alternatives may help reduce weight gain or promote small […]
Scientific evidence and recommendations about the use and benefits of low/no calorie sweeteners
Science news from the 13th European Nutrition Conference – FENS 2019 Highlights: Choosing low/no calorie sweetened drinks can help frequent consumers maintain a good-tasting, enjoyable diet while aiming to control body weight, according to new studies. Comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses of controlled human trials show potential for benefits of low/no calorie sweeteners in weight […]
Low calorie sweeteners and food intake: Explaining the ‘Cephalic Phase Insulin Response’ hypothesis
Science news from the 55th Annual EASD meeting Highlights: The assertion that by providing sweet taste without calories, low calorie sweeteners may “confuse the brain” and lead to overeating is not supported by scientific evidence New studies confirm that the simple narrative of ‘Cephalic Phase Insulin Response’ after intake of low calorie sweeteners, suggesting an […]
Low calorie sweeteners and diabetes: Positions of scientific, medical and patient organisations
A webinar by the Spanish Federation of Diabetes (FEDE) Highlights: Low calorie sweeteners are safe, including for people with diabetes, and their consumption is well below the set Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) limits. Low calorie sweeteners have a favourable effect on post-prandial blood glucose levels, when consumed instead of sugars. By replacing sugars, low calorie sweeteners […]
Low calorie sweeteners and metabolic health: A critical evaluation of the literature
Science News from the 37th International Symposium on Diabetes and Nutrition Highlights: Higher quality evidence shows that the intended substitution of sugar calories with low calorie sweeteners can help improve body weight control and associated cardiometabolic risk factors. Current studies establish no clear evidence of adverse effect of low calorie sweeteners on the gut microbiota […]
