Artificial sweeteners increase heart disease risk, warns WHO

Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) for weight control or managing non-communicable diseases.

WHO highlighted the lack of evidence supporting the long-term benefits of these products and suggested that their use may be linked to adverse health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mortality in adults.

A recent study also raised concerns about the popular zero-sugar sweetener erythritol, indicating a possible association with strokes, heart attacks, blood clots, and death.

WHO's cautionary stance extends to various common NSS, such as acesulfame K, aspartame, sucralose, stevia, and more.

Francesco Branca, the WHO Director for Nutrition and Food Safety, emphasized that replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not aid in long-term weight control.

Instead, individuals should consider alternative ways to reduce their sugar intakes, such as consuming foods with naturally occurring sugars like fruits or opting for unsweetened food and beverages.

Branca stated that non-sugar sweeteners offer no nutritional value and should be minimized in one's diet from an early age to improve overall health.

WHO's recommendation applies to all synthetic or natural sweeteners that are not classified as sugars in manufactured foods and are applicable to most individuals, excluding those with preexisting diabetes.