Sweeteners: Regulatory Aspects

Abstract

Evidence suggests that excessive intake of added sugars has adverse effects on cardiometabolic health. In this chapter we review the role and potential benefits of noncaloric sweeteners, as a part of the diet. After their emergence and because of their supposed beneficial effects in different conditions as diabetes or obesity, an increasing number of studies show controversial results. Some of them even suggest that they are ineffective. In conclusion, further research and results are needed to provide convincing evidence of their long-term effectiveness and the absence of negative effects secondary to their use. It is interesting to examine the distinctive properties of sweeteners compared with sugar, the gold standard. We will focus on other substances that are commonly used to sweeten foods instead of sugar.