Leading experts discuss health effects of low calorie sweeteners at BNF conference

Apr 15 2010

A survey of over 2000 consumers carried out by YouGov on behalf of the British Nutrition Foundation shows that consumers are unsure about how low calorie sweeteners are used, whether they are beneficial for weight loss and whether they are safe.

At a BNF conference held in London today, the evidence on the safety and health effects of low calorie sweeteners will be debated by leading experts in the field. This event aims to provide the latest science on low calorie sweeteners, and to help health professionals and journalists to communicate the messages clearly with the general public.

Sara Stanner, Science Programme Manager at the BNF explains: "Although our research shows that some consumers have questions about low calorie sweeteners and their role in the diet, it also indicates that nutritionists/dietitians and other health advisers are considered to be the most reliable source of information on food.  Health professionals, armed with the facts, can help to get accurate information to consumers and dispel some of the myths." 

Can low calorie sweeteners help weight control?

The use of low calorie sweeteners helps reduce the calorie content of many foods and drinks. The BNF survey shows that 55% of respondents who use or eat any food or drinks that contain low calorie sweeteners, do so to help them control their weight, whilst 38% of the population think that low calorie sweeteners can help you lose weight as part of a calorie controlled diet. The same survey found that 18% of all respondents felt that low calorie sweeteners make no difference to weight loss.

Stanner continues: "We know that many consumers are confused about the role of low calorie sweeteners, but studies have indicated that making small changes to the diet, for example by choosing foods sweetened with low calorie sweeteners, can help with weight maintenance." 

Consumers confused about safety of low calorie sweeteners

When asked about safety, 23% of all surveyed respondents said they need more information before deciding if low calorie sweeteners are safe or not and 31% think that safety depends on the amount of sweetener you consume. When the BNF survey asked respondents who thought that low calorie sweeteners might not be safe or good for you why this was the case, 44% said they didn't like the idea of artificial ingredients and 30% thought that because they are artificial, they cannot be safe.

Professor Andrew Renwick from the University of Southampton, who will be presenting on the safety of low calorie sweeteners at the conference said: "Many people do not realise that all approved low calorie sweeteners have to undergo rigorous safety testing before they can be added to foods or beverages. Large safety factors are used to determine the safe intake for humans of each sweetener; the levels permitted in foods ensure that intakes are well below these safety levels"

The survey also found that despite the uncertainty about the safety and usefulness of low calorie sweeteners, the majority of respondents reported consuming  low calorie sweeteners, or products containing them regularly. Claire Williamson, a Nutrition Scientist at the BNF explains "Although there was a lot of variation in the responses given about the use and safety of low calorie sweeteners, when we asked people whether they consume foods and drinks such as diet soft drinks, sugar-free chewing gum or low calorie yogurts, that typically contain low calorie sweeteners, 82% of the population reported having these regularly.".

Stanner concludes "We hope that today's conference will help to clarify the evidence so that consumers can make informed decisions about their use of low calorie sweeteners"