Consensus statement on benefits of low‐calorie sweeteners

Why low calories count:The effective use of low calorie sweeteners in today's diet and lifestyle choices (1-2 April 2014), Brussels, Belgium Preference for sweetness is innate and universal, and probably represents a biological response to safe sources of energy such as mother's milk and fruit (Ventura & Mennella 2011).There is some evidence that sweetness preference declines with age, is partly heritable and varies among cultures (Keskitalo et al. 2007;Drewnowski et al. 2012).Given current concerns about overweight and obesity, low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) are increasingly used to replace sugar and supply sweetness without calories, helping people to moderate their energy intake (Anderson et al. 2012).However, some people are confused about the effects of LCS on nutrition and well-being, despite positive statements about safety from regulatory authorities worldwide.This consensus paper summarises current evidence on the benefits of LCS, as reviewed by a panel of independent experts at the International Sweeteners Association Conference in Brussels, in April 2014.The panel included the following scientific experts.