Chinchón declaration; decalogue on low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS)

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Food Safety
• Public Health

Background:

• Multidisciplinary experts convened to assess scientific knowledge on low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS).
• Existing information on LNCS is often biased or contradictory, impacting public and academic understanding.
• LNCS are widely used sugar substitutes in food, medicine, and supplements for non-caloric sweetening.

Framework:

• The Chinchón Declaration, a consensus Decalogue, was developed by experts from diverse scientific disciplines.
• The Decalogue addresses regulation, usage, benefits, and safety aspects of LNCS.
• Expert consensus was reached through reflection and analysis of current scientific evidence.

Implementation:

• The meeting was held in Chinchón, Madrid, on November 25-26, 2013.
• Key stakeholders included the Nutrition Research Foundation, Madrid Regional Government, International Sweeteners Association, and Carlos III Health Institute.
• Participants represented fields such as toxicology, clinical and community nutrition, physiology, food science, public health, pediatrics, endocrinology, nursing, pharmaceutical care, and food legislation.

Implications:

• Benefits of LNCS are often overlooked compared to unsubstantiated concerns about potential risks.
• There is a recognized need to enhance research on LNCS within Spain.
• Increased education for both healthcare professionals and the general public regarding LNCS is crucial.