WHO Warns Sugar Substitutes May Harm Health Over Time

The World Health Organization has issued new guidance on sugar substitutes. It states that non-sugar sweeteners do not help with long-term weight loss or prevent diet-related diseases. These substitutes are commonly found in processed foods and drinks. The WHO recommendation covers artificial and natural non-sugar sweeteners. These include acesulfame K, aspartame, stevia, sucralose and others. It applies to everyone except those already diagnosed with diabetes.

In 2015, the WHO advised reducing added sugar intake to under 10% of daily energy. The new review suggests long-term use of sweeteners may have negative effects. These could include a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and early death in adults.

The guidance is conditional, as the link between sweeteners and disease is not fully confirmed. It also did not assess low-calorie sugars or sugar alcohols like erythritol. A separate study recently linked erythritol to increased risks of heart attack, stroke and early death.

Randomised trials showed sweeteners may aid short-term weight loss. However, the effects do not last over time. The WHO concludes that non-sugar sweeteners offer no lasting benefits for weight or health. The findings highlight potential risks from their long-term use. The advice excludes people with preexisting diabetes and does not cover all sugar alcohols.