How good is artificial sweetener research? A new review suggests it leaves a lot to be desired.
Reviewing Artificial Sweetener Research:
Consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and foods has increased dramatically over the last 40 years. We often hear that these compounds are extremely safe and helpful, but a careful analysis of 30 studies shows that conflicts of interest are common and may distort the reported findings and conclusions.
Reviews carried out by scientists whose conflicts aligned with the artificial sweetener industry were far more likely to have favorable results and come to favorable conclusions than those not sponsored by industry. Those conducted by scientists whose conflicts aligned with “competitor industries” (such as water or sugar) reached unfavorable conclusions.
Do You Know If There Are Conflicts?
Unfortunately, 42 percent of the reviews did not report the conflicts of interest that existed. The investigators conclude that such conflicts may undermine “the quality and transparency of public health evaluations that are reliant on these reviews.”
