THE WASHINGTON POST – At a time when a growing number of fake sugars are being added to foods and beverages, the World Health Organization (WHO) released new recommendations advising against using non-sugar sweeteners to control weight, citing potential health risks.
The recommendation is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature, the agency said in a news release on Monday. Not only do non-sugar sweeteners not help with long-term reduction of body fat, the agency said, but long-term use of the ingredients may increase risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and early death.
The agency noted that the guidance isn’t a recommendation to eat more real sugar instead, but to reduce the overall sweetness of the daily diet.
The recommendation applies to all people except individuals with preexisting diabetes, who may still benefit from using sugar substitutes.
The WHO said its recommendation does not apply to personal care and hygiene products containing non-sugar sweeteners, such as toothpaste, skin cream and medications.
