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1.
Effects of Non-nutritive Sweeteners on Sweet Taste Processing and Neuroendocrine Regulation of Eating Behavior.
Yunker, AG, Patel, R, Page, KA
Current nutrition reports. 2020;(3):278-289
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are increasingly used as a replacement for nutritive sugars as means to quench the desire for "sweets" while contributing few or no dietary calories. However, there is concern that NNS may uncouple the evolved relationship between sweet taste and post-ingestive neuroendocrine signaling. In this review, we examine the effects of NNS exposure on neural and peripheral systems in humans. RECENT FINDINGS NNS exposure during early development may influence sweet taste preferences, and NNS consumption might increase motivation for sweet foods. Neuroimaging studies provide evidence that NNS elicit differential neuronal responsivity in areas related to reward and satiation, compared with caloric sweeteners. Findings are heterogenous regarding whether NNS affect physiological responses. Additional studies are warranted regarding the consequences of NNS on metabolic outcomes and neuroendocrine pathways. Given the widespread popularity of NNS, future studies are essential to establish their role in long-term health.
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Effects of Sugar-Sweetened, Artificially Sweetened, and Unsweetened Beverages on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Body Composition, and Sweet Taste Preference: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Ebbeling, CB, Feldman, HA, Steltz, SK, Quinn, NL, Robinson, LM, Ludwig, DS
Journal of the American Heart Association. 2020;(15):e015668
Abstract
Background A 2018 American Heart Association science advisory indicated that, pending further research, artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) may be an appropriate initial replacement for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) during transition to unsweetened beverages (USBs). Methods and Results We randomly assigned 203 adults (121 males, 82 females; 91.6% retention), who habitually consumed SSBs, to 3 groups and delivered free SSBs, ASBs, or USBs to their homes for 12 months. Outcomes included serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (primary), body weight, and sweet taste preference (experimental assessment, 0%-18% sucrose solutions). Change in serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was not different between groups. Although overall change in weight also was not different between groups, we found effect modification (P=0.006) by central adiposity. Among participants in the highest tertile of baseline trunk fat but not other tertiles, weight gain was greater (P=0.002) for the SSB (4.4±1.0 kg, estimate±SE) compared with ASB (0.5±0.9 kg) or USB (-0.2±0.9 kg) group. Both sweetness threshold (-1.0±0.2% m/v; P=0.005) and favorite concentration (-2.3±0.4% m/v; P<0.0001) decreased in the USB group; neither changed in the SSB group. In the ASB group, sweetness threshold did not change, and favorite concentration decreased (-1.1±0.5% m/v; P=0.02). Pairwise comparison between the ASB and USB groups indicated a difference in sweetness threshold (P=0.015). Conclusions Replacing SSBs with noncaloric beverages for 12 months did not affect serum triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. Among individuals with central adiposity, replacing SSBs with either ASBs or USBs lowered body weight. However, USBs may have the most favorable effect on sweet taste preference. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; unique identifier: NCT01295671.
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Daily Eating Frequency in US Adults: Associations with Low-Calorie Sweeteners, Body Mass Index, and Nutrient Intake (NHANES 2007-2016).
Hunt, KJ, St Peter, JV, Malek, AM, Vrana-Diaz, C, Marriott, BP, Greenberg, D
Nutrients. 2020;(9)
Abstract
Studies of relationships between eating frequency and/or timing and energy intake have not examined associations with low-calorie sweeteners (LCS). We assessed the frequency of eating behavior related to LCS consumption emphasizing timing, calorie intake, and body mass index (BMI) among United States (US) adults aged ≥19 years. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2016, we defined eating episodes as food and/or beverage intake within 15 min of one another over the first 24-h dietary recall. We coded items ingested during episodes (n = 136,938) and assessed LCS presence using US Department of Agriculture (USDA) food files. Episode analysis found intakes of foods only (27.4%), beverages only (29.5%), and foods with beverages (43.0%). LCS items were consumed without concurrent calories from other sources in fewer than 2.7% of all episodes. Within participants having normal weight (29.4%), overweight (33.6%) and obese (37.1%) BMIs, LCS consumers (35.2% overall) evidenced: more episodes/day; and fewer: calories, carbohydrates, fats, and protein per episode. Per person, those consuming LCS had lower total calories and higher fiber intake per day. LCS consumption was associated with higher BMI. Number of eating episodes/day and longer hours when eating episodes occurred were also consistently associated with higher BMI. Consuming LCS did not modify these relationships. These results did not show that LCS consumption was associated with increased caloric intake from other dietary sources.
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Sweet satiation: Acute effects of consumption of sweet drinks on appetite for and intake of sweet and non-sweet foods.
Rogers, PJ, Ferriday, D, Irani, B, Hei Hoi, JK, England, CY, Bajwa, KK, Gough, T
Appetite. 2020;:104631
Abstract
Sensory-specific satiety (SSS) describes a reduction in the pleasantness of the taste of (momentary liking) and desire to consume a food that occurs with eating, compared with the relative preservation of liking and desire for uneaten foods. We conducted three studies in healthy female and male participants to test whether SSS generalises from sweet drinks to sweet foods. Studies 1 (n = 40) and 2 (n = 64) used a two-condition cross-over design. Participants consumed non-carbonated, fruit squash drinks sweetened with low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) versus water and evaluated various food and drink samples (stimuli). Generalisation of SSS was evident across all sweet stimuli, without having an effect on non-sweet (savoury) stimuli. These SSS effects were present when measured shortly after consumption of the sweet drink, but not 2 h later. There was no evidence of a 'rebound' increase above baseline in liking or desire to consume sweet foods 2 h after the sweet drink versus water. In study 3, 51 participants consumed labelled and branded 500 ml cola and water drinks (4 conditions, cross-over design) immediately before and during ad libitum consumption of sweet and non-sweet snack foods. Compared with still water, 'diet' (LCS-sweetened) cola reduced sweet food intake, but not total ad libitum intake. Carbonated water decreased hunger and increased fullness compared with still water, without differentially affecting thirst. Energy compensation from the ad libitum snacks for consumption of sugar-containing cola averaged only 20%. Together, these results demonstrate that consumption of LCS drinks acutely decreases desire for sweet foods, which supports their use in place of sugar-sweetened drinks. Further studies on the effects of carbonation of appetite are warranted.
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An in-silico layer-by-layer adsorption study of the interaction between Rebaudioside A and the T1R2 human sweet taste receptor: modelling and biosensing perspectives.
Arodola, OA, Kanchi, S, Hloma, P, Bisetty, K, Asiri, AM, Inamuddin,
Scientific reports. 2020;(1):18391
Abstract
The human sweet taste receptor (T1R2) monomer-a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family that detects a wide variety of chemically and structurally diverse sweet tasting molecules, is known to pose a significant threat to human health. Protein that lack crystal structure is a challenge in structure-based protein design. This study focused on the interaction of the T1R2 monomer with rebaudioside A (Reb-A), a steviol glycoside with potential use as a natural sweetener using in-silico and biosensing methods. Herein, homology modelling, docking studies, and molecular dynamics simulations were applied to elucidate the interaction between Reb-A and the T1R2 monomer. In addition, the electrochemical sensing of the immobilised T1R2-Reb-A complex with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and graphene oxide (GO) were assessed by testing the performance of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as an adsorbent experimentally. Results indicate a strong interaction between Reb-A and the T1R2 receptor, revealing the stabilizing interaction of the amino acids with the Reb-A by hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups of the glucose moieties, along with a significant amount of hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the presence of the MWCNT as an anchor confirms the adsorption strength of the T1R2-Reb-A complex onto the GO nanocomposite and supported with electrochemical measurements. Overall, this study could serve as a cornerstone in the development of electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of Reb-A, with applications in the food industry.
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Effects of Consuming Sugar-Sweetened Beverages for 2 Weeks on 24-h Circulating Leptin Profiles, Ad Libitum Food Intake and Body Weight in Young Adults.
Sigala, DM, Widaman, AM, Hieronimus, B, Nunez, MV, Lee, V, Benyam, Y, Bremer, AA, Medici, V, Havel, PJ, Stanhope, KL, et al
Nutrients. 2020;(12)
Abstract
Sugar-sweetened beverage (sugar-SB) consumption is associated with body weight gain. We investigated whether the changes of (Δ) circulating leptin contribute to weight gain and ad libitum food intake in young adults consuming sugar-SB for two weeks. In a parallel, double-blinded, intervention study, participants (n = 131; BMI 18-35 kg/m2; 18-40 years) consumed three beverages/day containing aspartame or 25% energy requirement as glucose, fructose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or sucrose (n = 23-28/group). Body weight, ad libitum food intake and 24-h leptin area under the curve (AUC) were assessed at Week 0 and at the end of Week 2. The Δbody weight was not different among groups (p = 0.092), but the increases in subjects consuming HFCS- (p = 0.0008) and glucose-SB (p = 0.018) were significant compared with Week 0. Subjects consuming sucrose- (+14%, p < 0.0015), fructose- (+9%, p = 0.015) and HFCS-SB (+8%, p = 0.017) increased energy intake during the ad libitum food intake trial compared with subjects consuming aspartame-SB (-4%, p = 0.0037, effect of SB). Fructose-SB decreased (-14 ng/mL × 24 h, p = 0.0006) and sucrose-SB increased (+25 ng/mL × 24 h, p = 0.025 vs. Week 0; p = 0.0008 vs. fructose-SB) 24-h leptin AUC. The Δad libitum food intake and Δbody weight were not influenced by circulating leptin in young adults consuming sugar-SB for 2 weeks. Studies are needed to determine the mechanisms mediating increased energy intake in subjects consuming sugar-SB.
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Acute glycemic and insulinemic effects of low-energy sweeteners: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Greyling, A, Appleton, KM, Raben, A, Mela, DJ
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2020;(4):1002-1014
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Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that low-energy sweeteners (LES) may be associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, possibly due to stimulation of glucose-responsive mechanisms. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of human intervention studies examining the acute effect of LES intake on postprandial glucose (PPG) and postprandial insulin (PPI) responses, in order to comprehensively and objectively quantify these relations. METHODS We systematically searched the Medline, OVID FSTA, and SCOPUS databases until January 2020. Randomized controlled trials comparing acute postprandial effects on PPG and/or PPI after exposure to LES, either alone, with a meal, or with other nutrient-containing preloads to the same intervention without LES were eligible for inclusion. PPG and PPI responses were calculated as mean incremental area under the curve divided by time. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects models with inverse variance weighing. RESULTS Twenty-six papers (34 PPG trials and 29 PPI trials) were included. There were no reports of statistically significant differences in the effects of LES on PPG and PPI responses compared with control interventions. Pooled effects of LES intake on the mean change difference in PPG and PPI were -0.02 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.09, 0.05) and -2.39 pmol/L (95% CI: -11.83, 7.05), respectively. The results did not appreciably differ by the type or dose of LES consumed, cointervention type, or fasting glucose and insulin levels. Among patients with type 2 diabetes, the mean change difference indicated a smaller PPG response after exposure to LES compared with the control (-0.3 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.53, -0.07). CONCLUSIONS Ingestion of LES, administered alone or in combination with a nutrient-containing preload, has no acute effects on the mean change in postprandial glycemic or insulinemic responses compared with a control intervention. Apart from a small beneficial effect on PPG (-0.3 mmol/L) in studies enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes, the effects did not differ by type or dose of LES, or fasting glucose or insulin levels. This review and meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42018099608.
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Determinants of Sweetness Preference: A Scoping Review of Human Studies.
Venditti, C, Musa-Veloso, K, Lee, HY, Poon, T, Mak, A, Darch, M, Juana, J, Fronda, D, Noori, D, Pateman, E, et al
Nutrients. 2020;(3)
Abstract
Factors associated with sweetness preference are multi-faceted and incredibly complex. A scoping review was undertaken to identify determinants of sweetness preference in humans. Using an online search tool, ProQuest ™, a total of 99 publications were identified and subsequently grouped into the following categories of determinants: Age, dietary factors, reproductive hormonal factors, body weight status, heritable, weight loss, sound, personality, ethnicity and lifestyle, previous exposure, disease, and 'other' determinants. Methodologies amongst studies were heterogenous in nature (e.g., there was variability across studies in the sweetness concentrations tested, the number of different sweetness concentrations used to assess sweetness preference, and the methods utilized to measure sweetness preference), rendering interpretation of overall findings challenging; however, for certain determinants, the evidence appeared to support predictive capacity of greater sweetness preference, such as age during certain life-stages (i.e., young and old), being in a hungry versus satiated state, and heritable factors (e.g., similar sweetness preferences amongst family members). Recommendations for the design of future studies on sweetness preference determinants are provided herein, including an "investigator checklist" of criteria to consider.
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Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Effects of Low-Calorie and Non-Calorie Sweeteners.
Moriconi, E, Feraco, A, Marzolla, V, Infante, M, Lombardo, M, Fabbri, A, Caprio, M
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2020;:444
Abstract
Since excessive sugar consumption has been related to the development of chronic metabolic diseases prevalent in the western world, the use of sweeteners has gradually increased worldwide over the last few years. Although low- and non-calorie sweeteners may represent a valuable tool to reduce calorie intake and prevent weight gain, studies investigating the safety and efficacy of these compounds in the short- and long-term period are scarce and controversial. Therefore, future studies will need to elucidate the potential beneficial and/or detrimental effects of different types of sweeteners on metabolic health (energy balance, appetite, body weight, cardiometabolic risk factors) in healthy subjects and patients with diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. In this regard, the impact of different sweeteners on central nervous system, gut hormones and gut microbiota is important, given the strong implications that changes in such systems may have for human health. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the current evidence for the neuroendocrine and metabolic effects of sweeteners, as well as their impact on gut microbiota. Finally, we briefly discuss the advantages of the use of sweeteners in the context of very-low calorie ketogenic diets.
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Chronic sucralose consumption induces elevation of serum insulin in young healthy adults: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial.
Bueno-Hernández, N, Esquivel-Velázquez, M, Alcántara-Suárez, R, Gómez-Arauz, AY, Espinosa-Flores, AJ, de León-Barrera, KL, Mendoza-Martínez, VM, Sánchez Medina, GA, León-Hernández, M, Ruiz-Barranco, A, et al
Nutrition journal. 2020;(1):32
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are widely consumed by humans due to their apparent innocuity, especially sucralose. However, several studies link sucralose consumption to weight gain and metabolic derangements, although data are still contradictory. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of acute and chronic consumption of sucralose on insulin and glucose profiles in young healthy adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in healthy young adults from 18 to 35 years old, without insulin resistance. A hundred thirty seven participants were randomized into three groups: a) volunteers receiving 48 mg sucralose, b) volunteers receiving 96 mg sucralose, and c) controls receiving water as placebo. All participants underwent a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) preceded by consuming sucralose or placebo 15 min before glucose load, at two time points: week zero (Wk0) and week ten (Wk10). Serum insulin and glucose were measured every 15 min during both OGTTs. RESULTS Compared to Wk0, consumption of sucralose for 10 weeks provoked 1) increased insulin concentrations at 0 min (7.5 ± 3.4 vs 8.8 ± 4.1 μIU/mL; p = 0.01), 30 min (91.3 ± 56.2 vs 110.1 ± 49.4 μIU/mL; p = 0.05), 105 min (47.7 ± 24.4 vs 64.3 ± 48.2 μIU/mL; p = 0.04) and 120 min (44.8 ± 22.1 vs 63.1 ± 47.8 μIU/mL; p = 0.01) in the 48 mg sucralose group; 2) increased blood glucose at - 15 min (87.9 ± 4.6 vs 91.4 ± 5.4 mg/dL; p = 0.003), 0 min (88.7 ± 4 vs 91.3 ± 6 mg/dL; p = 0.04) and 120 min (95.2 ± 23.7 vs 106.9 ± 19.5 mg/dL; p = 0.009) in the 48 mg sucralose group; 3) increased area under the curve (AUC) of insulin in both 48 and 96 mg sucralose groups (9262 vs 11,398; p = 0.02 and 6962 vs 8394; p = 0.12, respectively); and 4) reduced Matsuda index in the 48 mg sucralose group (6.04 ± 3.19 vs 4.86 ± 2.13; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These data show that chronic consumption of sucralose can affect insulin and glucose responses in non-insulin resistant healthy young adults with normal body mass index (between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2), however, the effects are not consistent with dose; further research is required. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NCT03703141.