Low-calorie sweeteners play an important role for healthy, active people

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) draws attention to a growing number of experts supporting the message that low calorie sweeteners play an important role for healthy, active people. Used in more than 6,000 products around the world, low calorie sweeteners can significantly reduce the energy density of foods and beverages when used as a substitute for sugar.  

Speaking in Glasgow last week at the official London 2012 Olympics global scientific meeting, the International Convention on Science, Education and Medicine in Sport (ISCEMIS), nutrition expert Penny Hunking said: "The value of regular exercise to help people manage their weight is well recognised. The mantra 'eat less, do more' holds true but strategies to practically achieve this can be challenging, as exercising can physically and mentally stimulate overall appetite and lead to overeating. Physically active individuals need to be mindful of the caloric density of foods and drinks they choose; consuming many more calories than one burns, would defeat the purpose of exercise. Low calorie sweeteners do not enhance the appetite and are a smart, positive alternative to high calorie sugar sweetened products, benefiting weight management by lowering overall energy intake."

Hunking's views follow a recent statement published by the journals of the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Diabetes Association (ADA), published earlier this month. The statement highlights that the smart use of non-nutritive (low calorie) sweeteners as a substitute for sugars in food and beverages could help people reach and maintain a healthy body weight.

Also at ICSEMIS, biopsychologist Professor Marion Hetherington made an interesting point about environmental factors as a prompt for exercise and healthy eating. She said, "Healthy food and drink cues help consumers to make healthier decisions, such as eating better foods and exercising more."

Low calorie sweeteners can form an important part of those healthier decisions, especially as there is a need for physically active people to hydrate more often. Sports scientist Professor John Brewer highlighted this in his presentation. He said, "Even top athletes need to take more care of their hydration needs before, during and after exercise. Hydration with zero or fewer calories can be achieved with the help of low calorie sweeteners and flavoured drinks in particular offer a taste motivation thereby promoting effective hydration."

Source: International Sweeteners Association