Water should still be the natural first choice when you are thirsty.
That is the view of Kåre I. Birkeland, a professor at the University of Oslo and senior consultant at Oslo University Hospital, according to DinSide.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, FHI, states that approved sweeteners are considered safe when used within permitted limits.
At the same time, FHI refers to the WHO, which does not recommend sweeteners as a general method of weight control.
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Randi Størdal Lund from Vestfold Hospital has, over more than 20 years of clinical work, seen patients lose weight after switching from sugar-sweetened soft drinks to diet versions.
However, she does not recommend drinking large amounts of sugar-free soft drinks, DinSide reports.
Only 26 participants
The study from the University of Copenhagen involved 26 people with overweight. They were given either water or a beverage containing calorie-free sweeteners.
The small number of participants is an important limitation. Birkeland therefore does not believe the study provides grounds for changing the current recommendations.
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The researchers also found no difference in how much the participants ate during the subsequent test meal.
Surprising difference
The participants who had consumed the beverage containing calorie-free sweeteners reported fewer cravings for sweets than those who had drunk water, according to Videnskab.dk.
According to the outlet, the researchers were surprised by the clear result in such a small group.
The finding points to reduced cravings for sweets, but not to participants actually eating less.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.