From time to time we have heard from friends, relatives or the media that we should avoid light products with low-calorie sweeteners, either because instead of helping to lose weight they increase it, or because they are not safe for our health. But how much do we know?
Low Calorie Sweeteners increase appetite?
Previous studies have argued that eating foods with an increased content of sweeteners leads to an increase in appetite. Subsequent research, however, did not prove that the consumption of sweeteners causes changes in appetite.
Appetite is affected, both by calories, and by the volume of food/drink consumed. A high-calorie drink will suppress appetite and may reduce the amount of food eaten at the next meal. A zero-calorie drink, on the other hand, will suppress appetite for about an hour, but will not affect the amount of food consumed at the next meal. Those who say that low-calorie sweeteners promote appetite and can lead to overeating are incorrect.
A study by Mattes and Popkin, published in the American Review of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed the findings from 224 studies on the effects of low-calorie sweeteners on appetite, food intake and body weight and found that the use of these ingredients contributes to reduced energy recruitment. They also found that using these ingredients in place of other high-calorie ingredients helps with weight management.
Low Calorie Sweeteners cause cancer?
Against this view, the director of the Department of Epidemiology of the Institute of Pharmacological Research ≪Mario Negri≫ and associate professor of Epidemiology at the University of Milan Dr. Carlo LaVecchia responds with the results of a study carried out by his Institute. The study, analyzing more than 11,000 cases (over a period of 13 years), concluded that consumers of low-calorie sweeteners, such as saccharin and aspartame, were not at risk of developing any type of cancer. But also in the USA, a study carried out with the support of the National Cancer Foundation, in a sample of about 450 people, did not find any statistically significant correlation between the consumption of aspartame and the occurrence of leukemia, lymphomas or tumors in the brain.
Children and pregnant women should not consume sweeteners?
Scientific organizations worldwide have conducted toxicological studies, focusing on the possible effects of low-calorie sweeteners on pregnant women and the fetus. Studies conclude that all low-calorie sweeteners are safe to consume during pregnancy as long as the recommended daily allowance is not exceeded.
As for children, studies show that the use of aspartame has no neurological or behavioral effects, neither in healthy adults nor in children.
Low Calorie Sweeteners consumption causes neurological problems?
International Non-Governmental and other Organizations representing people suffering from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have reviewed this evidence and concluded that there is no scientific basis to advocate excluding aspartame and remaining low-calorie sweeteners from the diet of a person with corresponding health problems. This position is also supported by special scientific committees of European organizations such as EFSA, as well as the national Food Control Services.
