HERVÉ NORDMANN

Ajinomoto Co. Inc., En Crochet 1, Apples, CH 1143, Switzerland

BENEFITS OF LOW CALORIE SWEETENERS FOR DIET AND HEALTH

Low calorie sweeteners, palatability and calorie intake
It is clear that for losing weight or for to maintaining a healthy weight, individuals need to pay careful attention to energy balance. It is important to balance the calories you consume with the calories you burn by maintaining a sensible, balanced diet combined with regular physical activity. In order to lose body weight you need to either burn more calories or consume fewer calories, or both. Energy density (kcal/g) of foods is an important determinant of energy intake in a meal (1, 2) or over the course of the day (3). By substituting low calorie sweeteners (0 kcal/g) for sugar (4 kcal/g), it is possible to lower the energy density of foods and drinks. As a result, low calorie sweeteners can eliminate or substantially reduce the calories in some foods and drinks, offering an easy method of reducing calories while maintaining the palatability of the diet. Where sugar is the main source of energy, as in soft drinks, low calorie sweeteners help to bring the energy density of drinks close to negligible calorie content (14) ...