The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that sweeteners are not effective for long-term weight control and may have unwanted effects if used for a long time, such as increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The UN health agency has also linked the use of synthetic or artificial sweeteners to cardiovascular disease and adult mortality.
For this reason, the WHO advises against its use and stressed that, in general, people should reduce sweets in their diet, and should do so from an early age to have better health.
“Replacing free sugars (refined and natural present in fruits, honey and others) with sweeteners does not offer any long-term benefit in terms of reducing body fat in adults or children,” stressed the organization that governs global public health.
Specific products that are discouraged include acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, as well as stevia and its derivatives.
“People should consider other ways to reduce their intake of free sugars, such as eating foods that naturally contain sugars, such as fruit, or non-sweet foods and beverages,” said Francesco Branca, director of nutrition and food safety at the WHO. . .
This recommendation applies to everyone except those with pre-existing diabetes.
Likewise, the WHO highlighted that this new recommendation includes synthetic, natural or modified sweeteners, “that are not classified as sugars found in industrial foods and beverages” or that are sold separately to be added by the consumer.
On the other hand, the organization clarified that its position in relation to sweeteners does not apply to personal hygiene or hygiene products that may contain them, such as toothpaste, skin creams or medicines.
It also does not imply low-calorie sugars or sugar alcohol, as it is derived from sugar and contains calories, so it is not considered a sweetener.
This set of recommendations is based on the findings of the review of scientific evidence and is part of WHO’s efforts to encourage countries to adopt policies that favor healthy eating habits and quality diets that reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Source: TSF
