News Releases & Statements

New Study Adds to Growing Body of Science Showing No Unique Link Between Sweeteners and Obesity

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 9, 2007

Contacts:  
Tracey Halliday 
(202) 463-6718

Jennifer Tzitzon
(202) 463-6705
    

NEW STUDY ADDS TO GROWING BODY OF SCIENCE SHOWING NO UNIQUE LINK BETWEEN SWEETENERS AND OBESITY;

LOW-CALORIE SWEETENER IN COLA BEVERAGES HAS NO IMPACT ON HUNGER, SATIETY OR CALORIC INTAKE FURTHER CONFIRMED

WASHINGTON – A study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition joins the growing body of scientific research confirming that there is absolutely no unique link between sweeteners and obesity.  In fact, “Sugars and satiety:  does the type of sweetener make a difference?” shows that there is no difference between cola beverages sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or sucrose (table sugar) when it comes to hunger, satiety or subsequent caloric intake.  It further shows no difference in hunger, satiety or caloric intake between cola beverages sweetened with aspartame, a low-calorie sweetener, and the control group, which received no beverage.

“Concerning weight management, this study supports that there is absolutely nothing mystical about any food ingredient or category—it is simply a matter of calories in, calories out,” said Dr. Richard H. Adamson, scientific consultant to the American Beverage Association. “All the theorizing about high fructose corn syrup being uniquely associated with obesity–or diet beverages increasing appetite–is just plain nonsense put forth by those with an agenda that is not based in sound science.”

Authored by renowned scientist Adam Drewnowski, director of the University of Washington’s Nutritional Sciences Program, and co-authors Pablo Monsivais and Martine M. Perrigue, the study followed 37 adults (19 men, 18 women) aged 20-29 years to assess the impact of cola beverages sweetened with sucrose, as well as two types of HFCS used in soft drinks (HFCS-42 and HFCS-55).  In addition, 1 percent fat milk, diet cola and a no beverage control group were studied.  Drewnowski et al investigated at baseline and then at 20 minute intervals after consumption for impact on hunger, thirst and satiety.  The authors then recorded caloric intake at lunch, which was more than two hours following beverage consumption. The study found absolutely no difference in caloric intake at lunch, satiety, hunger or perceived sweetness between the sucrose and HFCS sweetened beverages.  Further, the authors found that the caloric beverages, in fact, somewhat suppressed caloric intake at lunch in comparison to the control and diet cola groups/subjects.

This study confirms once again that no one sweetener, food or beverage can be blamed for causing obesity.  In fact, although dietary glucose and fructose may be processed differently, the source of these simple sugars, whether from sucrose or HFCS, does not matter to the body. Quite simply, obesity is caused by an imbalance in energy intake and energy output. Thus, too many calories and not enough exercise are the primary factors contributing to obesity. While the beverage industry agrees that obesity is a serious and complex problem, it is best addressed by living a balanced lifestyle which includes consuming a variety of foods and beverages in moderation and getting plenty of exercise.

“Sugars and satiety:  does the type of sweetener make a difference?” was supported by grants from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health, the American Beverage Association and the Corn Refiners Association.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

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