Introducing the new all electric
Sweet Bites Newsletter
Issue 63 | May 2021
In This Issue
FEATURE: Update on alternative dietary sweeteners
NEWS: Review: Healthy eating for type 2 diabetes resource from Harvard
NEWS: New Zealand healthy lifestyle resource hub
Welcome
Welcome to Issue 63 of Sweet Bites. In this issue we feature an update on alternative sweeteners; their use is widespread and growing and we examine the latest consensus on their effects.
Our News items are a new Diabetes management resource from Harvard University and the New Zealand nutrition and physical activity hub from the Health Promotion Agency.
From the journals we’ve gathered three papers on sugars, carbohydrates and health: 1) A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of fructose instead of glucose or sucrose on cardiometabolic markers; 2) Changes in soft drinks purchased by British households associated with the UK soft drinks industry levy (SDIL); and 3) The sensory properties and metabolic impact of natural and synthetic sweeteners. This last paper is good to read in full if you would like greater depth of information on alternative sweeteners.
We hope you enjoy this issue and invite you to be in touch if you have any feedback or suggestions for future issues of Sweet bites.
Monthly Feature
Update on alternative dietary sweeteners
Alternative sweetener use is widespread – we review their use and the evidence around their effects.
News
Review: Healthy eating for type 2 diabetes resource from Harvard
A comprehensive diabetes resource from Harvard University, although not a must-have in Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand healthy lifestyle resource hub
A one-stop shop for resources to promote healthy eating, physical activity and sleep in New Zealand.
Research Updates
We have three papers to share on sugars, carbohydrates and health:
Effect of fructose instead of glucose or sucrose on cardiometabolic markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of isoenergetic intervention trials.
Isoenergetic substitution of fructose or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) for glucose or sucrose has no significant effect on most cardiometabolic markers investigated, and conclusions could not be drawn on the rest as they were affected by heterogeneity between studies or high/unclear risk of bias. Read more here.
Changes in soft drinks purchased by British households associated with the UK soft drinks industry levy: controlled interrupted time series analysis.
Volume of soft drinks purchased did not change but the amount of sugar in the drinks was 10% lower per household per week. Reductions could be due to the levy or product reformulation. Purchases of confectionery and alcohol did not change. Read more here.
The sensory properties and metabolic impact of natural and synthetic sweeteners.
Authors discuss the most popular synthetic and natural sweeteners, compare sensory profiles of sweeteners versus sucrose, the influence of these sweeteners on metabolism, and consumers' opinions. Read more here.
NOTE: this paper is good for further reading on our feature article on sweeteners.
About Us
The Sugar Nutrition Resource Centre (SNRC) is committed to providing health care professionals with evidence-based information on sugar and nutrition.
Our work continues to be guided by scientific experts from Australia and New Zealand.
As always, we would love to hear any feedback from you.
About the Editor
NICOLE SENIOR
Nutritionist, Sydney
Nicole is an experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist, author, speaker, blogger, cook and food enthusiast with an interest in turning evidence based nutrition guidelines into sensible, achievable and enjoyable everyday eating advice and supporting other food and health professionals to do the same.
Locked Bag 2222, North Ryde 2113, Australia
