The American Beverage Association (ABA) issued a statement negating reports of artificial sweeteners being harmful to one's metabolism on Wednesday.
The ABA released the statement in response to "Artificial sweeteners produce the counterintuitive effect of inducing metabolic derangements," a piece published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism stated people should avoid the sweeteners.
"This is an opinion piece not a scientific study. Low-calorie sweeteners are some of the most studied and reviewed ingredients in the food supply today," the ABA said. "They are safe and an effective tool in weight loss and weight management, according to decades of scientific research and regulatory agencies around the globe."
In the ABA's news release, the author of the report "failed to include a number of scientific studies that support the facts that low-calorie sweeteners are safe, and can be beneficial in weight loss and weight management."
According to the American Diabetes Association, "foods and drinks that use artificial sweeteners are another option that may help curb your cravings for something sweet."
American Diabetes Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports research that shows that low- and no-calorie sweeteners can help reduce calories consumed help to maintain a healthy weight. The ABA also cited a study published this year in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that confirms diet drinks are important to reduce calories.
The use of low-calorie sweeteners is regulated agencies around the world, like the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the ABA. Health groups including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Diabetes Association are also involved in the regulation of artificial sweetners.
"The bottom line is that consumers should have complete confidence in low-calorie sweeteners based on the findings of the vast body of available studies, conducted by some of the world's leading toxicologists," the ABA said.
