Choosing artificial sweetener over sugar may not be as healthy as you think, according to new research.
A study published in the British Medical Journal has found that there is ‘no evidence’ of artificial sweeteners having any health benefit over sugar when the two were compared.
Researchers reviewed 56 studies and found there to be no significant differences in the weight, blood sugar levels or oral health of people who chose sweetener over sugar.
The research was led by Dr Meerpohl, from Germany's University of Frieburg, and is the most comprehensive study of its kind.
The study found there to be a very slight effect on weight gain in those who chose artificial sweetener, but Dr Meerpohl said it was not significant enough to be categorically deemed as a health benefit.
Artificial sweeteners are used in diet soda drinks, along with a lot of sugar-free options as part of the ongoing bid to cut consumption, but this new research could mean these choices are not offering any health benefits.
“No evidence was seen for health benefits from NSSs and potential harms could not be excluded,” says the review.
The study calls for more research to be done on the safety of consuming non sugar sweeteners.