ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new recommendations advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, citing potential health risks associated with their consumption.
The guidance comes after a comprehensive review of scientific literature, which revealed that non-sugar sweeteners do not contribute to long-term reduction of body fat and may even increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
The WHO clarifies that its recommendation does not encourage the consumption of real sugar but instead urges individuals to reduce the overall sweetness in their daily diet by opting for foods that contain naturally occurring sugars or unsweetened alternatives.
The WHO’s guidance applies to both individual sweetener packets and the growing use of sugar substitutes by food companies in processed foods and beverages, including items such as breads, cereals, yogurts, and snack bars.
Common non-sugar sweeteners identified by the WHO include acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives.
Calorie Control Council Disagree with WHO
In response to the WHO’s recommendation, the Calorie Control Council, a food industry group, strongly disagrees and asserts the established safety and benefits of non-sugar sweeteners in weight management, oral health, and reducing calorie and sugar intake.
The group argues that the recommendation may have negative implications for public health, as it allegedly fails to consider the full picture of the efficacy of these ingredients.
Recent research has challenged the previously held belief that nonnutritive sweeteners were mostly inert and primarily aided in calorie reduction. Studies have indicated that sugar substitutes can have adverse effects on the gut microbiome and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as strokes and coronary heart disease.
The WHO acknowledges that its recommendation is “conditional” due to various factors that may have influenced the findings, including differences in the health of study participants.
The Calorie Control Council emphasizes the uncertainty associated with the “conditional” label, highlighting a substantial body of evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of low- and no-calorie sweeteners in reducing sugar and calorie consumption, managing body weight, and mitigating the risk of non-communicable diseases.
It is pertinent to note that the WHO’s recommendation does not extend to personal care and hygiene products containing non-sugar sweeteners, such as toothpaste, skin cream, and medications.
The discussion surrounding the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight control and their potential health risks is likely to continue as further research and evidence are examined by experts in the field.
