WHO advises against the use of non-sugar sweeteners

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) for weight control and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Based on a systematic review, the WHO found that NSS did not provide long-term benefits in reducing body fat in adults or children. Furthermore, prolonged use of NSS was associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.

Francesco Branca, WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety, stated, "Replacing free sugars with NSS does not aid long-term weight control. People should focus on reducing free sugars intake through natural sources like fruit or unsweetened food and beverages. NSS lack nutritional value and should be minimized from early stages of life for better health."

The guideline applies to all individuals, except those with pre-existing diabetes, and encompasses synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners found in manufactured foods and beverages or used by consumers. Examples include acesulfame K, aspartame, cyclamates, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and their derivatives.

It is important to note that personal care and hygiene products, low-calorie sugars, and sugar alcohols are not classified as NSS and are not covered by the recommendation. Given potential confounding factors in the evidence, the guideline is conditional and requires country-specific discussions regarding NSS consumption rates and policies.

The WHO guideline on NSS is part of a comprehensive suite of guidelines promoting healthy diets, lifelong healthy eating habits, and the prevention of NCDs.

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