Given the current atmosphere of confusion about carbohydrates, refined carbohydrates, sugars, and sweeteners, the recently released American Dietetic Association (ADA) position paper on the use of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners could not have come at a better time.
The ADA report endorses the use of added sugars and sugar substitutes at reasonable levels, as determined by the advice of federal nutrition agencies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA’s) Food Guide Pyramid and the USDA/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2002 Dietary Guidelines recommend that consumers "use sugars sparingly" and "choose a diet moderate in sugars," respectively. The Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intakes offer a numerical value of 25 percent for the maximum intake of energy from added sugars.
"Consumers can safely enjoy a range of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners when consumed in a diet that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations," the ADA position paper states. Nutritive sweeteners provide a source of energy (calories) whereas nonnutritive sweeteners have a sweet taste but do not provide added energy. Both types of sweeteners are found in a wide variety of foods and beverages, and, according to the ADA paper, have been found to be safe for consumers and offer palatability and choice in the diet.
Both types of sweeteners may also be consumed by children and pregnant women in the context of a nutrient-adequate diet. The daily intake levels differ for each of the nonnutritive sweeteners, five of which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Acceptable Daily Intake is a conservative level and is the estimated amount per kilogram of body weight that a person can safely consume on average every day over a lifetime without risk. The position paper also mentions a link between heavy sweetener consumption and obesity in the population and recommends that those who want to lose weight opt for the use of nonnutritive sweeteners as a method of controlling energy intake.
To access the full position paper, visit .
