TDNet Discover

Background: With the rise of obesity comes the increasing need for weight loss. Weight loss can be difficult for many due to the associated lifestyle changes. Many people do not want to follow through with the diet changes needed to lose weight because that often means limiting the foods they enjoy. Artificial sugar has recently grown in popularity because it is a non-caloric substance that can be used to sweeten food and beverages. Despite its growth, artificial sweeteners have also been under scrutiny in the healthcare field because the long-term effects of their use are currently unknown. Various studies have shown evidence of a link between artificial sugar and cancer; however, a definitive cause has yet to be found. Purpose: This evidence-based clinical review (EBCR) aimed to examine the current body of evidence to determine whether artificial sugar use affects cancer incidence. Methods: Three researchers performed a search of peer-reviewed publications on multiple databases. After investigating available data, the researchers convened to discuss their findings and select articles based on previously agreed-upon inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles were only chosen if they received a “good” quality on the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Data extraction was then performed on each article by the researchers. All researchers met once more to discuss findings and determine proceedings. Data from all 3 articles was then extracted and assessed. After analysis, the researchers made recommendations for practical application and future research based on their findings. Results: The results include overall and site-specific cancer incidence. Two out of 3 studies reported specifically on overall cancer incidence. One study evaluated the incidence of cancer with the use of artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) and found a weak correlation when compared to the control group. The other study determined no significant associations between iv the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) and cancer. All 3 studies evaluated site-specific cancer occurrence. Only 1 study reported a strong correlation between ASB and various types of cancer, including laryngeal, multiple myeloma in men, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, urinary tract tumors, and leukemia. The other 2 studies did not find such a correlation and reported the correlation was either weak or there was no correlation between artificial sugar and cancer. Conclusion: After analysis of all 3 articles selected, the outcome of this study is indeterminate due to the conflicting results of the studies evaluated. Each of the 3 articles had differing results on site-specific cancer occurrence. Meanwhile, only 2 of the 3 articles agreed that artificial sugar does not increase overall cancer incidence. Given this information, current recommendations on using artificial sweeteners should not be changed due to the ambiguous long-term effects of their use.