Do I need to stop using sweeteners? Understand – 05/17/2023 – Balance

The new WHO guideline against the use of sweeteners for weight control has raised questions about the safety of the product and in which situation the user should leave the compound aside. Experts consulted by Sheet state that the recommendation should not be applied at a personal level, as it is a recommendation addressed to governments.

Doctors claim that it is not necessary to discontinue the use of sweeteners, but that it is important to consult a professional for personalized dietary guidance.

According to Roberto Raduan, endocrinologist at BP (A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo), discussions about the toxicity of sweeteners have been going on for decades, but there is still no scientific consensus on the potential benefits or harms of these compounds.

The expert says that users should consume substances within limits considered safe. In addition, the use of artificial sweeteners is indicated to assist in the treatment of diabetic patients, who must avoid the consumption of sugars of any kind.

According to the FDA (American food and drug regulatory agency), the daily recommendation varies according to the compound. The limit for aspartame, for example, is 50 mg/kg per day. Saccharin intake, on the other hand, is up to 15mg/kg. The limit for sucralose is even lower, at 5 mg/kg.

In the new report, WHO indicates that the use of sweeteners may be related to the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems and certain types of cancer in adults. However, it also classifies the scientific evidence related to this risk as “low to moderate”.

The contraindication is for any compound (natural or synthetic) non-nutritive, used as a sweetener and that is not classified as sugar. Some examples are aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin, sucralose and stevia. Also, it goes for non-diabetic adults and children. Xylitol and erythritol are not included.

Regarding use for weight control, Raduan says you have to remember that sweeteners do not cause weight loss. They are compounds used in diets to facilitate the caloric deficit, since they have low or no amount of calories, but do not have a weight loss effect per se.

“The patient has to know that what causes weight loss is a balanced diet, with healthy foods and few calories”, he says. The use of sweeteners or artificially sweetened products often works as an aid to this goal, he points out.

“It is a product that helps in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, and can be used following the recommendation criteria”, indicates Raduan.

To the report of Sheet, endocrinologist Maria Edna de Melo stated that the recommendation is directed at governments, and should weigh in the formulation of public policies to reduce the consumption of processed foods, such as through strategies such as food labeling. It should not, however, be used as guidance on a personal level.

For this, she recommends carrying out an evaluation with health professionals who can indicate the best alternative.

“While the scientific evidence is well defined regarding the harms of increased sugar consumption, the evidence [contra o consumo] of sweeteners are not yet definitive, as emphasized in the positioning [da OMS]”, he states.