In a new study, researchers found that a $2.2 billion industry to help people lose weight through artificial sweeteners may be contributing to type 2 diabetes.
The research was conducted by a team from the University of South Australia.
The team found that people who use low-calorie sweeteners are more likely to gain weight, the exact opposite of what consumers expect.
This is despite controlled clinical trials showing that artificial sweeteners do lead to weight loss.
There has been a 200% increase in low-calorie sweeteners usage among children and a 54%increase among adults in the past 20 years.
Low-calorie sweeteners are used in place of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. They have an intensely sweet flavor without the calories, but recent studies have highlighted potential adverse health effects.
A recent US study of 5,158 adults over a seven-year period found that those who consumed large quantities of artificial sweeteners gained more weight than non-users.
The team says consumers of artificial sweeteners do not reduce people’s overall intake of sugar.
They use both sugar and low-calorie sweeteners and may psychologically feel they can indulge in their favorite foods.
Artificial sweeteners also change gut bacteria which may lead to weight gain and risk of type 2 diabetes.
Artificially sweetened beverages are also linked with increased risks of death and heart disease, and strokes and dementia among older people, but it is not clear why.
A better option than low-calorie sweeteners is to stick to a healthy diet, which includes plenty of whole grains, dairy, seafood, legumes, vegetables and fruits, and plain water.
One author of the study is UniSA Professor Peter Clifton.
The study is published in Current Atherosclerosis Reports.
Copyright © 2019 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
