[Sweeteners: recent recommendations for health].

Abstract

Sweeteners: RECENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTH. Intense sweeteners are compounds with a higher sweetening power than sugar. Their use has grown in industrial products and at home to reduce sugar intake, which is associated to health risks. In France, acesulfame K, aspartame, sucralose and Stevia are the most consumed sweeteners, included in table-top sweetener, sweets and chewing-gums, or diet beverages and dairy products. Their impact on health is still unclear. If some short-term benefits, as regards weight management for instance, have been observed, uncertainties remain regarding long-term effects, with studies reporting increased risks for several chronic diseases (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes). Hence, the World Health Organization recommends not to use them with objective to control weight or reduce chronic disease risk. Instead, efforts should be made to reduce the consumption of sugary products (with sugar or sweeteners) and to improve the nutritional quality of the diet.