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International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Abstract

Background: The beneficial effects of artificial sweeteners (AS) on the prevention of non-communicable diseases have been noticed with various ambiguity outcomes. The knowledge of AS among consumers and healthcare providers can facilitate in making informed decisions about its usage. Therefore, this study, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice and usage of AS among type II diabetic patients and the conception of registered dieticians on usage of AS, as a sugar substitute. Study design: The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Methods: The data on AS consumption, discomforts, and health consequences of chronic consumption from type-II diabetics (n = 51) and the opinion of dieticians (n = 53) on AS recommendations were gathered using a pretested questionnaire online through email via docs.google.com. The association or correlation between AS consumption, discomforts, and awareness was analysed by chi-square and Spearman correlation tests. Results: The results indicated that study subjects consumed AS in the form of tabletop sweeteners (86.3%), sweets (35.3%), and beverages (31.4%). Saccharin (29.5%), sucralose (27.3%), and aspartame (27.3%) were the major tabletop sweeteners consumed. 77% of subjects consumed AS from 1-3 years, while others from 4-5 years. 59% of participants consumed AS without consultation, and only 5.9% expressed discomfort after consumption. However, a significant association was noticed between discomfort and beverage consumption. 58.8% were unaware of the health consequences, and KAP analysis showed that knowledge was negatively associated with practice and attitude was positively associated with it. The survey among dieticians revealed that 73.6% were not recommending AS, mainly due to less reliable information, particularly regarding safety issues, and ambiguity on the use of AS in dietetic practice. While others consumed AS over natural sugars in glycemic control, weight management, and lifestyle factors. Conclusion: Majority of diabetic patients did not know the side effects of chronic AS consumption, while dieticians had divergent views on AS due to insufficient research regarding the safety and side effects of chronic AS consumption. Therefore, more precise studies are required to understand the consequences of chronic consumption of AS on health benefits.

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