Trends in nonsugar sweetener use among United States adults by chronic diseases presence: 1999 to March 2020

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough long-term health effects of nonsugar sweeteners (NSSs) are uncertain, they are widely used as a common alternative to added sugar, especially among people with chronic diseases. It is essential to evaluate trends in NSS use to inform policy makers. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate trends in NSS use overall and by chronic diseases presence in United States adults. MethodsThe analysis used data of United States adults (≥20 y) collected in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES (1999 to March 2020)]. Age-adjusted percentage of individuals consuming NSS beverages, NSS foods, tabletop NSS, or any of them during the first 24-h dietary recall period was calculated in each NHANES survey cycle. Weighted multivariable logistic or linear regression models were used to examine trends in NSS use over time. ResultsA total of 51,703 United States adults were included in the analysis. In total population, age-adjusted percentage of individuals consuming NSS in the past day increased from 29.3% in 1999–2000 to 37.5% in 2005–2006 and decreased to 24.1% in 2017 to March 2020 (P < 0.001 for nonlinear trend). Similar trends were observed for different subcategories of NSS-containing product consumption (NSS beverages, foods, and tabletop sweeteners). Similar trends were found among individuals with or without chronic disease. Among individuals with ≥1 chronic disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipemia), age-adjusted percentage of individuals consuming NSS in the past day increased from 34.5% in 1999–2000 to 41.1% in 2005–2008 and decreased to 28.1% in 2017 to March 2020, while NSS consumption increased from 20.0% in 1999–2000 to 27.4% in 2005–2008 and decreased to 14.3% in 2017 to March 2020 among individuals without chronic diseases (all P < 0.001 for nonlinear trend). ConclusionsNSS use increased from 1999 to 2006 and decreased until March 2020 among entire United States adults and individuals with or without chronic diseases. Moreover, NSS use is generally higher among individuals with chronic diseases during study periods.