Trending Topics pieces (Article Analyses, Evidence Clips and Other Topics) are published in timely response to recent media and journal articles, position statements, clinical guidelines, etc. Since they are based on the most recent evidence/publications, they may not be consistent with PEN evidence in other PEN content areas. As soon as possible, when this occurs, the PEN content will be reviewed and updated as needed.
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Nonnutritive Sweeteners, Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Health - Inconclusive Results
A recent systematic review and
meta-analysis of the health impact of nonnutritive sweeteners (e.g. aspartame, sucralose, stevioside) was recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The authors concluded that nonnutritive sweeteners may not help weight loss. While the observational studies suggested that regular intake may be associated with an increase in BMI, randomized trial evidence found no effect of these sweeteners on BMI. The observational studies found that nonnutritive sweetener use was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk (i.e. type 2 diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome); however, these outcomes were not assessed in the randomized trials. Based on the differences regarding weight changes between the studies of the two design types, it is possible that people who routinely use nonnutritive sweeteners may be at higher risk of weight gain or have lifestyles that increase their risks of adverse metabolic outcomes and the sweeteners may not be the cause of these problems. An NHS
Behind the Headlines article has pointed out important limitations of the existing
research and concluded that more research is needed to confirm the positive and
negative health impacts of nonnutritive sweeteners. For more information on
sweeteners, see PEN
Knowledge Pathway - Sweeteners.
Posted: 2017-07-27
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Article Analysis: Dementia, Stroke and Sugary and Artificially Sweetened Drinks
Posted: 2017-05-07
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Article Analysis: Artificial Sweeteners and Glucose Intolerance
Posted: 2014-10-20