The use of artificial sweeteners in Malta : focus on primary school children

Abstract

The use of artificial sweeteners has become widespread in over 100 countries including Malta. Artificial sweeteners were initially invented as an aid for slimmers. The fact that they were marketed as being practically calorie free was very appealing to consumers who found it an easy and comfortable way of trying to keep an ideal weight. This in turn might have taken the place of a healthy balanced diet and physical exercise. Issues regarding their safety have been raised and in fact, parents in particular are sometimes concerned about giving artificial sweeteners to young children. However, the questionnaire that was carried out with 321 year six pupils in Malta and Gozo, indicated that the fact that artificially sweetened products were available in the pupils' homes was the main reason why pupils chose these products. A second questionnaire conducted with 57 households in Malta and Gozo, proved that weight control and health reasons were the most common reasons for consuming these products. Weight control and health reasons were also amongst the most common reasons chosen by the pupils. Their popularity as reflected by the increase in sales of sugar-free products was further confirmed through the ten interviews carried out with supermarket owners in different parts of Malta and Gozo. Different types of educational activities should be a means of teaching people how to maintain a good state of health and desirable body weight without having to rely on artificially sweetened foods and beverages. Conflicting research studies indicate the need for unbiased nutritional information to enable consumers to make their own decisions about their health