WHO recommendation goes against non-sugar sweeteners

The Geneva-based WHO based the recommendation on a systemic review of available evidence, which suggests the use of non-sugar sweeteners does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children. The review also suggested the long-term use of non-sugar sweeteners potentially may have undesirable effects such as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mortality in adults.

The recommendation applies to all synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners not classified as sugars and found in manufactured foods and beverages or sold on their own to be added to foods and beverages by consumers. Common non-sugar sweeteners include acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives.

The recommendation does not apply to low-calorie sugars and polyols (sugar alcohols), which are sugars or sugar derivatives containing calories and thus not considered non-sugar sweeteners.

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