The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) to control body weight or reduce the risk of non-communicable illnesses, suggesting instead that people reduce the sweetness of their diet. A review of available evidence suggests that NSS may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults. NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. The recommendation does not apply to low-calorie sugars and sugar alcohols, or to personal hygiene products containing NSS.