COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (News Cutter) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new guideline advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) for weight control and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The recommendation is based on a systematic review of available evidence, which indicates that the use of NSS does not provide long-term benefits in reducing body fat in adults or children. Furthermore, the review suggests potential negative effects of long-term NSS use, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.
The WHO emphasises that replacing free sugars with NSS does not aid in long-term weight control. Instead, individuals should explore alternative methods of reducing their free sugar intake, such as consuming naturally occurring sugars found in fruits or unsweetened food and beverages. NSS are not considered essential dietary factors and lack nutritional value. Therefore, reducing overall sweetness in the diet, starting from an early age, is recommended to improve health.
The guideline applies to the general population, excluding individuals with pre-existing diabetes, and covers both synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners found in processed foods and beverages. The recommendation does not extend to personal care and hygiene products containing NSS, low-calorie sugars, or sugar alcohols, which contain calories and are not classified as NSS.
The conditional nature of the recommendation reflects the complexities associated with studying the link between NSS and disease outcomes, such as confounding factors and varied patterns of NSS usage. Therefore, policy decisions based on this recommendation may require careful consideration within specific country contexts, considering factors like NSS consumption across different age groups.
The WHO’s guideline on NSS is part of a broader effort to promote healthy diets and reduce the risk of NCDs worldwide. It aligns with existing and upcoming guidelines aimed at establishing lifelong healthy eating habits and improving dietary quality.
