The World Health Organization (WHO) advises the sweeteners to control long -term weight, since they are not effective.In addition, the organization warns that they can have unwanted effects if used for a long time, such as the increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and mortality diseases in adults.
The new: although there was already evidence of the risks of the use of sweeteners, it is the first time that WHO advises to introduce it into the diet.
What has said the WHO on the use of sweeteners?
In general, says the organization, people must reduce the candy of their diet, and should do so from an early age to enjoy better health."Replace free sugars (refined and natives present in fruits, honey and others) by sweeteners does not offer any long -term benefit in terms of fat reduction in the body in adults or children," said the governing organization of thePublic health globally.
The important thing: among the specific products that are advised against are Acesulfamo K, aspartamo, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, as well as the stevia and its derivatives.
The WHO also pointed out that this new recommendation includes synthetic, natural or modified sweeteners, "that are not classified as sugars found in industrial foods and foods" or that they are sold separately to be added by the consumer.
The recommendation does not apply to personal care or hygiene products that may contain them, such as toothpastes, skin creams or medications.
What does WHO recommend to improve the diet?
«People need to consider other ways to reduce the consumption of free sugars, such as consuming foods that naturally contain sugars, such as fruits;o Foods and drinks that are not sweet, ”said WHO nutrition and food safety director Francesco Branca.
Thus affects you: This recommendation of WHO and sweeteners applies to all people, except those with pre -existing diabetes.
On the other hand, the organization clarified that its position in relation to sweeteners does not apply to personal care or hygiene products that may contain them, such as toothpastes, skin creams or medications.
Nor does it imply low sugar or sugar alcohols, since they are derived from sugar and contain calories, so they are not considered sweeteners.
Scientific evidence after WHO's decision on sweeteners
WHO, after issuing its statement on sweeteners, ensures that this set of recommendations is based on the conclusions of the review of scientific evidence and that quality diets reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
What do experts say: as we tell you on Newtral.es, scientific evidence suggests that sweeteners are not a healthy alternative to sugar, although there is also no evidence that they are 'worse' that sugar, which has negative impacts on healthlong known.Technically, sweeteners (natural or artificial) are not insecure.But healthy, healthy, either.
Stanley Hazen, the lead author of one of the last studies on Eritrol, explained that it is important to "conduct more security studies to examine the long -term effects of artificial sweeteners in general."
Ana Belén Ropero Lara, Professor of Nutrition and Bromatology (Miguel Hernández University, Badali Project), explains that «in general, consumers have a negative perception of sweeteners, especially intensive.It is not surprising. ”
The latter with Marta Beltrá García-Calvo and Fernando Borrás explain in an article in The Conversation, which the sweeteners(Not only erythritol) have been related to hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Also with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and modifications in intestinal microbiota.