Paper Details Safety, Benefits of Low-Calorie Sweeteners

ATLANTAPeople have an innate" preference for foods that are sweet, and consuming high levels of sugar can increase the risk of obesity; however, people can safely enjoy the range of sweeteners, both calorie-containing and no-calorie, as part of an eating plan that is guided by current nutrition recommendations, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes, as well as individual health goals and personal preference, according to a new position paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

According to the paper that was published in the May issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, on average, adults in the United States consume 14.6% of their calories from added sugars. The Academy recommends limiting added sugar and states that nonnutritive (low-calorie) sweeteners are a safe way to restrict calories in the diet. The paper details and supports the safety and benefits of acesulfame potassium, aspartame, monk fruit, neotame, polyols, saccharin, stevia and sucralose as sweeteners.

On the topic of taste, the Academy offered that liking of sweet taste is innate" and that preference for sweet taste may be genetic," rather than due to the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners, as some have alleged.

A variety of new and emerging sweeteners are poised to help meet consumer demand for lower-calorie, healthier foods and beverages. Check out the New and Emerging Sweeteners" slide show available on Food Product Design to see what the future holds.