Examining the Usage Patterns of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners among Non-Diabetic Individuals: Insights from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Abstract

Background: Although non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) were formulated primarily for sugar-restricted diets, nowadays, their consumption has become widespread among the general population. Thus, the purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the regular use of NNSs and their associated factors among non-diabetic individuals from the baseline of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Methods: In total, 9226 individuals were analysed, and the regular consumption of NNSs was defined as follows: NSSs are used at least once a day. Associations between exposure and outcomes were analysed using chi-square and Student’s t-tests. Significant variables were inserted into a binary logistic regression model to determine the adjusted association measures (significance level of 5%). Results: The prevalence of regular NNS consumption was 25.7%. Regular NNS consumption increased with age, categories of BMI, income, and schooling. The odds of regularly consuming NNSs were 1.9-times higher among women, 6.1-times higher among obese individuals, and 1.8-times higher among those with higher schooling and income. Conclusions: Specific groups seem to present a larger association relative to the use of NNS. Based on the significant overall prevalence of the regular use of NNSs, a discussion regarding country-wide policies related to their intake is needed to address recent WHO directions concerning this additive.