Non-caloric sweeteners consumption in the adult population of Argentina Introduction

Non-caloric sweeteners consumption in the adult population of Argentina Introduction: Non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) are used to replace added sugars in foods and bev-erages. For this replacement to be a health benefit, the intake of each NCS should not exceed its Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The main objective of this study is to determine the consumption of aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, and saccharin in the argentine population aged 15 to 65 years and to evaluate this consumption in relation to the ADI. Other objectives are to stratify the consumption based on different sociodemographic vari-ables and to determine the main sources of NCS consumed by the argentine population. Methods: The sample consisted of 1266 individuals (urban population aged 15-65), stratified by region, age, sex, and socioeconomic level. Intake data was collected with two 24-hour recalls. Results: In Argentina, the average consumption of saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K and sucralose is well below their respective ADI: 8.4%, 3.2%, 2% and 0.3% of the ADI, respectively. The maximum reported consumptions do not exceed the ADI either. There is a higher proportion of women who consume NCS. The proportion of NCS consumers increases with age. The Northeast and South regions have the lowest percentage of NCS consumers. Beverages constitute the main source of NCS, followed by tabletop sweeteners. The contribution of food to NCS consumption is negligible. Discussion: In Argentina there is a good safety margin for the reformulation of sugary products aimed at reduc-ing the excess calories and added sugars consumed by the population.

Automated summary

This study investigates the consumption of non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) in the adult population of Argentina and finds that the average intake of saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K, and sucralose is well below their respective acceptable daily intake (ADI). Women and older individuals are more likely to consume NCS, while the Northeast and South regions have lower proportions of NCS consumers. Beverages are the main source of NCS consumption.