Meta-analysis Finds No Effects Associated with Artificial Sweeteners

A review of 56 observational studies and controlled trials has reportedly found “no compelling evidence” that non-sugar sweeteners (NSSs) cause positive or negative health effects. Toews et al., “Association between intake of non-sugar sweeteners and health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials and observational studies,” BMJ, January 2, 2019. Some of the studies included in the review showed minor benefits to promoting weight loss, while others found minor increases in blood glucose levels for subjects who consumed artificial sweeteners; the researchers found the evidence on both contentions to be weak when compared to similar studies. “For most outcomes, there seemed to be no statistically or clinically relevant difference between NSS intake versus no intake, or between different doses of NSSs,” the researchers concluded. “No evidence was seen for health benefits from NSSs and potential harms could not be excluded.”