Consumption of low-calorie sweeteners among U.S. adults is associated with higher Healthy Eating Index (HEI 2005) scores and more physical activity.

Adam Drewnowski,Colin Rehm

doi:10.3390/nu6104389

Abstract

The possibility that low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) promote lower quality diets and, therefore, weight gain has been noted as a cause for concern. Data from a representative sample of 22,231 adults were obtained from five cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2008 NHANES). A single 24-hour recall was used to identify consumers of LCS beverages, foods and tabletop sweeteners. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI 2005) and its multiple subscores. Health behaviors of interest were physical activity, smoking and alcohol use. LCS consumers had higher HEI 2005 scores than did non-consumers, largely explained by better SoFAAS subscores (solid fats, added sugar and alcohol). LCS consumers had better HEI subscores for vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, but worse subscores for saturated fat and sodium compared to non-consumers. Similar trends were observed for LCS beverages, tabletop LCS and LCS foods. Consumers of LCS were less likely to smoke and were more likely to engage in recreational physical activity. LCS use was associated with higher HEI 2005 scores, lower consumption of empty calories, less smoking and more physical activity.

Highlights

Replacing added sugars in beverages and foods with low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) is one way to manage body weight [1,2,3,4]
The socioeconomic gradient was strong: LCS were consumed by 17.3% of persons with a
The present study extends prior research by providing the first analyses of the association of LCS use with diet quality measures based on the Healthy Eating Index 2005

Summary

Introduction

Replacing added sugars in beverages and foods with low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) is one way to manage body weight [1,2,3,4]. Overweight adults are more likely to consume LCS products than are normal-weight adults [5]. Combining LCS use with higher-quality diets and with more physical activity would be an even more comprehensive approach to weight control [6,7]. The consumers of diet products in the U.S are more likely to be non-Hispanic white women with higher education and incomes [8]. The consumption of diet beverages in the U.S is higher among groups of higher socioeconomic status (SES), as is the consumption of bottled and tap water [9]. As measured by Healthy Eating Index (HEI 2005) scores, tends to be higher among individuals of higher SES [10]. Physical activity and smoking follow similar socio-demographic trends [11,12]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion