Accelerating Health Innovation™

Alternative sweeteners update

A two-page column reviews recent academic research in sugar-alternative, or non-nutritive, sweeteners as used in the dairy foods industry. By way of introduction, the article cites the 2007 IFIC Foundation Food & Health Survey, sponsored by the International Food Information Council in Washington, DC. The survey showed an increase from the previous year in the percentage of Americans who are "somewhat or extremely concerned" about the types of carbohydrates and the amount of sugar they consume. These figures rose from 47% to 52% and 63% to 70%, respectively. Five studies are mentioned, one of which is "completely at odds" to the other three. The non-conforming study, involving 27 rats fed yogurt, claimed "a link between low-calorie sweeteners and weight gain." (Behavioral Neuroscience (122 [1]: 161-173)) The other four studies found the use of non-nutritive sweetener ingredients can be beneficial in weight management in humans. A George Blackburn study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (65: 409-418) evaluated the use of aspartame in a multi-disciplinary weight loss program. A study of sucralose or sucralose-sweetened beverages found the ingredients could be helpful in children's' weight management (Pediatrics (120 [4]: e869-e879)). A Journal of Food Science (70 [1]: S45-S46) report determined lower calorie consumption among subjects who used reduced-calorie products, including low-calorie sweeteners. The fourth study, published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (61: 691-700) reviewed recent scientific literature on the topic and concluded "no- and low-calorie sweeteners can be helpful in resolving the obesity problem facing Americans." The column also includes a table providing data on relative sweetness to sugar and calories per gram for nine non-nutritive sweetener ingredients.

Dairy Foods
4/1/2008