(ATLANTA) January 5, 2017 — A commentary published in PLOS Medicine advises against promotion of consumption of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) in place of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in health policies. However, this commentary misses the mark in terms of the potential benefit of replacing caloric beverages with lower-calorie alternatives.
An opinion piece, not a study
On January 3, 2017, a commentary briefly reviewing the current scientific literature and policy reform surrounding SSBs and ASBs was published by Borges et al. in PLOS Medicine. In this commentary, ASBs refer to drinks made with low-calorie sweeteners (LCS), such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The authors assert that, “Given the lack of consistent data on the effectiveness of ASBs on weight control, the potential impact of bias from industry sponsorship in ASB research, the high generation of solid waste and water use, and the largely unknown long-term impacts of ASBs on human health and on the environment, we argue that there are sufficient grounds to advise against policies that directly or indirectly promote their consumption.” The report, which has been mislabeled as a “study” by many media outlets, was actually an opinion piece that did not offer any novel data.
Other research finds LCS are effective in reducing calories
The authors continually state that the data on the health impact of ASBs is inconclusive. However, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis which considers all publicly available human and animal study data concluded that LCS are an effective tool for reducing caloric intake and can aid in weight loss.1 Moreover, Borges et al. admit that randomized control trials examining the efficacy of LCS either demonstrate null results or confirm success in promoting weight loss.
Finally, there is limited data to support the statement that LCS are an “environmental contaminant” and Borges et al. provided no evidence that the production of SSBs or ASBs is any more environmentally taxing than other foods or beverages.
Academic and Government Officials support the use of LCS
Responding to this opinion piece, officials from King’s College London and Public Health England spoke out about LCS.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph (UK)
Prof Tom Sanders, Professor emeritus of Nutrition and Dietetics, at King’s College London, added: “The conclusion that reduced sugar or sugar free drinks should not be promoted or seen as part of a healthy diet seems unwarranted and likely to add to public confusion.”
Dr. Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, said swapping to low or no sugar drinks “goes some way to managing calorie intake and weight”, especially for young people.
LCS have been extensively vetted and their safety and use are continuously reaffirmed by leading regulatory and governmental agencies around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These evaluations verify the safety of LCS and the products they are used in for all populations. Furthermore, the most recent, comprehensive review of literature supports the use of LCS as tools for calorie and weight management.1
- Rogers PJ, Hogenkamp PS, de Graaf K, et al. Does low-energy sweetener consumption affect energy intake and body weight? A systematic review, including meta-analyses, of the evidence from human and animal studies. Int J Obes 2016; 40(3): 381-94
Dr. Peterson is a medical contributor and columnist for Women’s Health and a frequent guest on NBC’s Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, Fox News and CNN. Based in New York City, Dr. Peterson has been in private practice since 1999 and holds appointments at Lenox Hill Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center. With a BA from Cornell University and a Medical Degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, she completed post-graduate training in Internal Medicine at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Peterson is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association, and serves as medical advisor for the Calorie Control Council.
