Sweetener study sparks concern
Wednesday January 4th, 2017
Senior paediatricians have urged parents not to be deterred by a study claiming that low-sugar drinks offer few benefits for health.
The
controversy came as the UK plans a sugar tax aimed at cutting the consumption
of high sugar fizzy drinks.
Researchers at Imperial College, London, argued that artificial sweeteners are as dangerous to health as sugar itself - as they stimulate receptors to sweet substances, the so-called "sweet tooth".
But the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said the evidence was inconclusive.
Professor Russell Viner, from the college, said: "Government’s fizzy drinks tax comes into force next year and with robust monitoring, we should be able to see what happens regarding the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and substitution effects, as well as the impact of weight and obesity.
“No fizzy drink, diet, sugar free or full fat provide any nutritional value whatsoever so in reality, it is better to avoid them altogether.
"However, we know that people like fizzy drinks and will continue to drink them if they are available, so until we have conclusive research on the health implications, I would suggest opting for a sugar free alternative as we know this is most certainly better for children’s health.”
Professor Christopher Millett, from Imperial College, has worked with academics from Brazil on the analysis, published in PloS Medicine.
The researchers said there is no evidence that artificial sweeteners aid weight loss.
Professor Millett said: "A common perception, which may be influenced by industry marketing, is that because diet drinks have no sugar, they must be healthier and aid weight loss when used as a substitute for full sugar versions. However we found no solid evidence to support this.”
Fellow researcher Professor Carlos Monteiro, from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, said: “Taxes and regulation on SBS and not ASBs will ultimately promote the consumption of diet drinks rather than plain water - the desirable source of hydration for everyone.”
* The Faculty of Dental Surgery meanwhile launched a New Year appeal to end "cake culture" in workplaces.
Sweetened Beverages and the Response to the Global Obesity Crisis PloS Medicine 4 January 2017
Tags: Child Health | Diabetes | Diet & Food | Heart Health | UK News
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