Introduction:

the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) has increased. Recent studies have reported possible metabolic effects of NNS, and this may influence the perception regarding their consumption in the general population and health professionals.

Objective:

to describe and compare the beliefs about NNS in consumers, non-consumers, and health professionals; and to explore the reasons and opinions of health professionals for recommending or not their consumption.

Methods:

surveys were applied to 100 consumers, 100 non-consumers and 100 health professionals (dietitians and physicians) to evaluate a positive, negative, or neutral attitude towards certain beliefs regarding NNS, including the information they have, safety, price, side effects and taste. In addition, the opinion of health professionals for recommending or not the consumption of NNS and the related reasons was evaluated.

Results:

statistically significant differences regarding the safety, side effects and taste of NNS were found between the three groups (p < 0.01). The most frequent opinion of health professionals (48 %) is that NNS should be limited, used as a transition and in certain patients. Consumers tend to have a more positive opinion about NNS except for the price, non-consumers have a more neutral position except for taste, and health professionals have a more negative perception of NNS in all aspects.

Conclusions:

the beliefs regarding NNS differed among the studied groups, which might influence their consumption or recommendation of its use.

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