There is little evidence found from short-term studies, done in children and women of normal weight, that reducing energy density of foods by substituting sugars with artificial sweeteners decreases energy density. More study needs to be done pertaining to the issue of prevention of excess intake, if given calories were provided in a beverage form vs. solid food mass.

• Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
• Grade II is Fair;
• Grade III is Limited/Weak;
• Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
• Grade V is Not Assignable.
• High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
• Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
• Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
• Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
• Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.