The World Health Organization (WHO), a UN agency with headquarters in Geneva, recently issued new recommendations cautioning against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) to manage noncommunicable diseases or control weight, citing a lack of evidence that these products have any long-term benefits.
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The WHO also stated that the use of NSS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and adult mortality. The popular zero-sugar sweetener erythritol may be associated with strokes, heart attacks, blood clots, and death, according to a study published earlier this year.
In addition to stevia and other stevia derivatives, common NSS include acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose.
“In the long run, substituting NSS for free sugars does not aid in weight management. The WHO’s director for nutrition and food safety, Francesco Branca, said in a statement on Monday that people should think about other ways to reduce their intake of free sugar, such as eating foods like fruit that naturally contain sugar or choosing unsweetened foods and beverages.
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NSS are not nutritionally valuable and are not necessary for a healthy diet. To improve one’s health, one should completely cut out sugar from one’s diet, starting young. Branca pointed out that non-sugar sweeteners have no nutritional value and advised people to generally cut back on sweetness in their diets. Non-sugar sweeteners that can be found in medications, toothpaste, and other personal care items are not subject to this advice.
All artificial or natural sweeteners found in processed foods that aren’t classified as sugars are covered by this WHO recommendation, with the exception of those who already have diabetes
