The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a cautionary statement concerning the use of artificial sweeteners for weight management and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. According to the WHO, the long-term consumption of these sweeteners is deemed ineffective and may carry potential health risks. The organization specifically highlights the increased likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even mortality among adults who continue to consume artificial sweeteners.
The recommendation applies universally to all individuals, except those with pre-existing diabetes, and encompasses both synthetic sweeteners and naturally occurring or modified nonnutritive sweeteners. Some commonly known examples of such sweeteners include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia. The WHO's stance on this matter contradicts earlier studies that suggested artificial sweeteners have neither beneficial nor harmful effects.
Stephanie McBurnett, a registered dietitian and nutrition educator affiliated with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, expressed little surprise at the WHO's finding that regular soda and diet soda offer comparable health benefits, given that both are processed food products. McBurnett believes that examining other components of people's diets, such as saturated fats, may yield further insights into the underlying causes of health issues often associated with sugar consumption.
It is important to note that the WHO's recommendation does not hold direct sway over the policies of individual countries. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may take the WHO's guidance into account and consider adjustments to labeling requirements or voice concerns. In response, the International Sweeteners Association, an industry representation nonprofit organization, criticized the WHO's recommendation, arguing that extensive research supports the use of low- or no-calorie sweeteners as an effective means for consumers to reduce their sugar and calorie intake.
The WHO clarifies that their recommendation is conditional, implying that policy decisions based on it may necessitate further discussion tailored to the specific contexts of individual countries. Moreover, the recommendation does not encompass personal care and hygiene products that contain artificial sugars, nor does it include low-calorie sugars and sugar alcohols derived from sugar itself. Francesco Branca, the WHO's director for nutrition and food safety, underscores the importance of exploring alternative approaches to reduce sugar consumption, such as consuming naturally occurring sugars found in fruits or opting for unsweetened food and beverages. Branca claims that non-sugar sweeteners are not essential components of a diet and do not provide any nutritional benefits. Accordingly, reducing the overall sweetness in one's diet from an early age can contribute to improved health outcomes.
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