Looking Back to Look Forward: The Unfolding Truth About Artificial Sweeteners

Back in 2006/2007, I had the privilege of being part of a team led by Dr. David Katz David L. Katz, MD, MPH , where we developed a comprehensive 27-page algorithm designed to score foods on a scale of 1 to 100. Our team of about a dozen experts meticulously examined the science behind various nutrients and additives. Yet, one topic eluded consensus—artificial sweeteners. Half of the team advocated for their benefits, while the other half flagged potential risks. I remember thinking that only time would reveal the truth. My background in anthropology taught me to look to the past to understand the future, and I had a strong intuition that these additives wouldn’t stand the test of time.

Fast forward to today, and research confirms not only the ineffectiveness of artificial sweeteners in weight management but also their link to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. As we move forward, I urge you to look back—to a time before we relied on Google to decipher food labels. The ingredients list on a packaged food item is one place that doesn’t lie. Use it as your guide to determine what’s truly healthy.

Here is the latest article highlighting the harms of xylitol. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/27/2439/7683453?login=false