Low calorie sweeteners do not affect appetite and can be an effective tool in reducing energy intake

ISA response to study by Wang et al.

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) strongly refutes the claims made in the study by Wang et al. published in Cell Metabolism. There is a broad body of scientific evidence from human studies which clearly demonstrates that low calorie sweeteners are not associated with an increase in appetite and do not have an impact on energy or food intake. As shown by a wealth of peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the gold standard in human nutrition research, by providing sweetness without the calories, low calorie sweeteners can be an effective tool in weight management, as they help people manage their calorie intake.¹ Furthermore, recently published systematic reviews and meta-analysis, have concluded that the balance of evidence shows that actually the use of low calorie sweeteners in foods and drinks leads to reduced energy intake and body weight.^{2, 3}

Read ISA detailed response to the study by Wang et al. in our Science & Research section by clicking here.

REFERENCES

Rogers PJ, Hogenkamp PS, de Graaf K, et al. Does low-energy sweetener consumption affect energy intake and body weight? A systematic review, including meta-analyses, of the evidence from human and animal studies. Int J Obes 2016; 40(3): 381-94
Bellisle F. Intense Sweeteners, Appetite for the Sweet Taste, and Relationship to Weight Management. Curr Obes Rep 2015; 4(1): 106-110
Miller, P.E., Perez, V. Low-calorie sweeteners and body weight and composition: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies, Am J Clin Nutr, 2014; 100: 765-777