“Biologically irrelevant?” ISA rebukes claim that sweeteners during pregnancy increases obesity risk

20 Jan 2022 --- The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) has responded to a recent study that found consuming low or no-calorie sweeteners during pregnancy or breastfeeding raises the risk of obesity in the offspring of lab mice. The body cites “collective evidence” suggesting this risk does not exist for humans.

The ISA says there were several issues with how the study was conducted and questioned the results’ “biological relevance” to humans. 

According to the association, the gastrointestinal physiology and composition of the microbiota of humans and rodents are too different for mouse studies to apply to humans.

Earlier this week, NutritionInsight spoke to one of the researchers of the study, Dr. Weilan Wang, about the impact of consuming sweeteners like aspartame during pregnancy. He says that consumption of aspartame in lab mice led to increased body fat percentage in offspring, and increased the risk of obesity.

Defending the name of aspartame
Giving specific attention to the study’s claims about aspartame, the ISA says the results of the research contradict major evidence regarding the metabolism of aspartame by the human body. In humans, aspartame is digested rapidly, and the small intestine is the site of absorption for its metabolites.

The ISA has combated several studies arguing the negative effects of sweetener consumption in recent years.This means neither aspartame nor its metabolites ever reach the colon to interact with the microbiota, argues the ISA. Additionally, aspartame is undetectable in the amniotic fluid and breast milk of those who consume the popular sweetener. 

There is reportedly “no mechanism” to explain how babies and fetuses would be exposed to aspartame sweeteners in the first place. Therefore, aspartame could not affect the obesity risk of offspring, the association states. To add to its argument, the ISA also cites studies on the effect of steviol glycosides on gut microbiota that found no adverse effects.

Interestingly, the study the ISA cites argues rodent studies reporting a change in gut microbiota after consuming sweeteners only happened “primarily at high doses that bear no relevance to human consumption.”

According to the ISA, a comprehensive review of the relevant scientific literature shows that low and no-calorie sweeteners do not increase body weight in offspring. 

Reducing sugar intake for health
In 2020, the ISA publicized a literature review on the effects of sweeteners in anticipation of the World Health Organization’s release of new guidelines on the consumption of sugar alternatives.

The ISA statement affirms the need for sugar alternatives at a time when obesity, diabetes and dental diseases have become global health concerns. It says in light of recommendations by public health officials to reduce sugar intake, sweeteners offer a suitable diet alternative, including during pregnancy. 

In fact, switching from sugar to sweeteners like aspartame during pregnancy can be helpful during pregnancy to avoid gestational diabetes and tooth decay, the ISA concludes.

However, this space remains controversial with other studies continuing to cast doubt on sweeteners’ efficacy. 

Edited by Olivia Nelson