• Home
• Diabetes Management
• Weight Management
• FOM Study Abstract
• Printable Materials
• Expert Video
• Additional Support
• Safety Profile
• Science
• Expert Videos
• Printable Brochures
• SPLENDA^® Sweetener Products
• Order Samples & Materials

Additional Support: No-Calorie Sweeteners Can Help With Weight Management

While some speculate that no-calorie sweeteners may lead to increased food intake, such claims are not well founded scientifically. In fact, the scientific evidence points to the opposite conclusion—no-calorie sweeteners do not increase food intake, nor do they cause weight gain.

A recent small study done in 27 rats using the no-calorie sweetener saccharin alleges a link between no-calorie sweetener consumption and weight gain (Swithers SE et al. Behav Neurosci. 2008;122(1):161-173.). However, this study needs to be considered in the proper scientific context, especially since there are many other previously published research studies in humans that reached the opposite conclusion. Even a subsequent, more recent review article that cites this study does not alert the reader to the large collection of research studies in this area (Hampton T. JAMA. 2008;299(18):2137-2138.).

A 2007 study published in Pediatrics ^® , the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, demonstrated that by making 2 simple changes daily—cutting 100 calories, in part by using SPLENDA ^® Brand Sweetener in place of sugar, and increasing activity levels by adding 2,000 steps daily—families can help overweight children slow their rate of weight gain (Rodearmel SJ et al. Pediatrics. 2007;120(4):e869-e879.).

View study abstract now

In another recent study in humans, the group using sucralose (SPLENDA ^® Brand Sweetener) consumed significantly fewer total calories from their beverage and test meal than the sucrose (sugar) or high fructose corn syrup groups (Akhavan T, Anderson GH. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;86(5):1354-1363.). It is important to note that numerous studies in people show that no-calorie sweeteners can be a useful tool in lowering caloric intake as part of a weight management program. Scientific reviews, published in peer-reviewed journals, support this conclusion (Rolls; de la Hunty; Renwick.).

Conclusion:

Clinical evidence has clearly shown that no-calorie sweeteners can be a useful tool to help decrease the intake of empty calories from sugar, which, for many, can be easily incorporated into their lifestyle. The cause of obesity cannot be oversimplified, as it has many origins.

*The third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.