Review and synthesis of data on the potential environmental impact of artificial sweeteners

Lewis, Kathleen; Tzilivakis, John

doi:10.2903/sp.efsa.2021.en-6918

Cited by 8 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 72 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A systematic review collating published data on polyols sweeteners, including erythritol (E 968), was performed to identify evidence of potential adverse effect on the environment (Agriculture and Environment Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, 2021 ). In this review very limited information relating to the environmental impact of the polyols (including erythritol) has been identified.…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Re‐evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive

Younes,

Aquilina,

Castle

et al. 2023

EFS2

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This opinion addresses the re-evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as food additive and an application for its exemption from the laxative warning label requirement as established under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Erythritol is a polyol obtained by fermentation with Moniliella pollinis BC or Moniliella megachiliensis KW3-6, followed by purifications and drying. Erythritol is readily and dose-dependently absorbed in humans and can be metabolised to erythronate to a small extent. Erythritol is then excreted unchanged in the urine. It does not raise concerns regarding genotoxicity. The dataset evaluated consisted of human interventional studies. The Panel considered that erythritol has the potential to cause diarrhoea in humans, which was considered adverse because its potential association with electrolyte and water imbalance. The lower bound of the range of no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) for diarrhoea of 0.5 g/kg body weight (bw) was identified as reference point. The Panel considered appropriate to set a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI) at the level of the reference point. An ADI of 0.5 g/kg bw per day was considered by the Panel to be protective for the immediate laxative effect as well as potential chronic effects, secondary to diarrhoea. The highest mean and 95th percentile chronic exposure was in children (742 mg/kg bw per day) and adolescents (1532 mg/kg bw per day). Acute exposure was maximally 3531 mg/kg bw per meal for children at the 99th percentile. Overall, the Panel considered both dietary exposure assessments an overestimation. The Panel concluded that the exposure estimates for both acute and chronic dietary exposure to erythritol (E 968) were above the ADI, indicating that individuals with high intake may be at risk of experiencing adverse effects after single and repeated exposure. Concerning the new application, the Panel concluded that the available data do not support the proposal for exemption.

show abstract

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Re‐evaluation of erythritol (E 968) as a food additive

Younes,

Aquilina,

Castle

et al. 2023

EFS2

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…They are classified as food additives and considered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to be safe for use in doses not exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The following NNS have been approved for use in the European Union: aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, cyclamate, neohesperidin DC, thaumatin, neotame, advantame, saccharin, and aspartame-acesulfame salt [ 17 ].…”

Section: Artificial Sweeteners-definition Types Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners Use on Sweet Taste Perception and Weight Loss Efficacy: A Review

et al. 2022

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Excessive consumption of sugar-rich foods is currently one of the most important factors that has led to the development of the global pandemic of obesity. On the other hand, there is evidence that obesity contributes to reduced sensitivity to sweet taste and hormonal changes affecting appetite, leading to an increased craving for sweets. A high intake of sugars increases the caloric value of the diet and, consequently, leads to weight gain. Moreover, attention is drawn to the concept of the addictive properties of sugar and sugary foods. A potential method to reduce the energy value of diet while maintaining the sweet taste is using non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS). NNS are commonly used as table sugar substitutes. This wide group of chemical compounds features high sweetness almost without calories due to its high sweetening strength. NNS include aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, saccharin, cyclamate, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (neohesperidin DC), neotame, taumatin, and advantame. The available evidence suggests that replacing sugar with NNS may support weight control. However, the effect of NNS on the regulation of appetite and sweet taste perception is not clear. Therefore, the review aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the use of NNS as a potential strategy for weight loss and their impact on sweet taste perception. Most studies have demonstrated that consumption of NNS-sweetened foods does not increase sweetness preference orenergy intake. Nonetheless, further research is required to determine the long-term effects of NNS on weight management.

show abstract

“…5,6 Nowadays, aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, cyclamate, neohesperidin DC, thaumatin, neotame, advantame, saccharin, and aspartame-acesulfame salt have been approved to be used as ASs by the European Union, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States also approved several ASs for use, like aspartame, acesulfame-K, neotame, sucralose, saccharin, and advantame, as well as two of natural origin, stevia and monk fruit extract. 7,8 Though widely used, the long-term health effects of AS consumption are little known. Prospective studies from the European Perspective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) have shown a positive association between the intake of ASs and all-cause mortality.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%