Daily Diet Soda Consumption: Impact on Human Physiology
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a comprehensive review on the health effects of non-sugar sweeteners, also known as non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). The review, titled "Health Effects of the Use of Non-Sugar Sweeteners," suggests that while these sweeteners may help reduce caloric intake compared to sugar, their long-term effects on health remain unclear and warrant cautious use.
According to the WHO, prolonged consumption of NNS may contribute to increased insulin resistance, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. This finding suggests that regular use of NNS might not be entirely risk-free and should be done in moderation to avoid adverse metabolic effects.
The review also emphasizes that while NNS might help in weight loss and appetite regulation, the impact on these areas is variable. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify these effects.
Additional context from related research points out that artificial sweeteners can lead to differential brain responses compared to sugar, which could influence sensory perception and potentially eating behavior. However, the direct health implications of these neural responses remain to be fully understood.
Overall, the WHO’s review suggests that NNS are not a "get-out-of-jail-free card" for sweets consumption. They should be used sparingly as part of a balanced diet, given the potential metabolic risks associated with long-term use, particularly regarding insulin sensitivity and possible links to type 2 diabetes.
The review also found that NNS may contribute to the development of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, a study titled "Advances in Nutrition: 'Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials'" found that artificial sweeteners can alter the gut microbiota, potentially leading to negative health effects.
Contrary to some claims, the WHO’s review found no conclusive evidence of a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes associated with NNS consumption. In fact, a study in Diabetes Care, titled "Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)", found that diet soda consumption is associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, while NNS may have a role in reducing caloric intake, their long-term effects on health remain uncertain. The WHO's review underscores the need for more research to fully understand the implications of NNS consumption on health. It is recommended that NNS be used sparingly as part of a balanced diet to minimise potential health risks.
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Health Effects of the Use of Non-Sugar Sweeteners. [2] Advances in Nutrition. (2019). Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials. [3] Diabetes Care. (2019). Diet Soda Intake and Risk of Incident Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
The WHO's review also highlights that consuming ginger ale, which often contains non-sugar sweeteners, may contribute to the potential metabolic risks associated with long-term use of non-nutritive sweeteners. It is advised to reduce the intake of ginger ale and consider its role in overall health-and-wellness and nutrition.
Furthermore, the study "Effects of Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota: A Review of Experimental Studies and Clinical Trials" suggests that the consumption of ginger ale, due to its artificial sweeteners, could potentially lead to negative health effects by altering the gut microbiota.
