My thesis
High intake of sugars is associated with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Low- and no-calorie sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are alternatives to sugars that impart sweetness to foods and beverages with little to no calories. As the food industry and consumers look to reduce the use and consumption of sugars, the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners appears to be on the rise. While such sweeteners are considered safe from a regulatory perspective, there is concern among some researchers and health professionals that exposure to these products may have unintended health consequences.
Using national surveillance data, my research is examining, for the first time, the proportions of children and adults in Canada who use low- and no-calorie sweeteners, as well as identifying the key food and beverage sources of these sweeteners. I will also explore how consumption of foods and beverages sweetened with low- and no-calorie sweeteners is associated with diet quality. With the rise of diet-related chronic diseases, my research will contribute Canadian evidence to inform population and public health nutrition policies.
My time in the School of Public Health Sciences
The PhD program has given me the opportunity to grow as a public health professional and strengthened my research and critical thinking skills. I am grateful for the support and kindness I received from my supervisor, my peers, staff and faculty in the School. As I finish up my doctoral training, I look forward to continuing my growth and applying the dietary assessment expertise I have developed in this program.
What is one nutrition fact or tip you would like to share in celebration of Nutrition Month?
There is a lot of information out there about food and nutrition and it can be hard to decipher the pseudoscience from reliable and evidence-informed nutrition information. To learn more about healthy eating from trusted sources, check out the resources available at UnlockFood.ca.
For more on Lesley's research see Lesley Andrade, BSc MHSc RD (sharonkirkpatrick.ca).