This population-based study evaluated the use of diet sweeteners by adults (> 20 years) in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data were collected from January to July 2010 (n = 2,732). Besides specific questions on diet sweeteners, demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics were recorded. Heterogeneity and linear trend chi-square tests were used for the statistical analysis. Prevalence of sweetener use was 19% (95%CI: 1.1-20.9), and was 3.7 times higher in elderly individuals as compared to 20-29-year-olds. Economic level and nutritional status were significantly associated with sweetener use. Nearly 98% of the sample used liquid sweeteners; the most frequently consumed (89.2%) were those containing saccharin or sodium cyclamate. Average intake was 10 drops of liquid sweetener or 1.5 sachets of powdered sweetener. Use of diet sweeteners was higher among women and the elderly.
Dietetic Sweeteners; Sweetening Agents; Prevalence
