Effects of agave nectar versus sucrose on weight gain, adiposity, blood glucose, insulin and lipid responses in mice

Abstract

Agave nectar is a liquid sweetener derived from a cactus plant and is often promoted as a low glycemic alternative to refined sugar. However, little scientific research has been conducted in animals or humans to determine its metabolic and/or health effects. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of agave nectar versus sucrose on weight gain, adiposity, fasting plasma blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Twelve male ICR mice (33.8 ± 1.6g), were equally divided by weight into two groups (n=6) and provided free access to one of two diets of equal energy densities differing only in a portion of the carbohydrate provided. Diets contained 20% carbohydrate (by weight of total diet) from either raw agave nectar or sucrose. After 34 days, epididymal fat pads were excised and blood was collected. Weight gain (4.3 ± 2.2 vs 8.6 ± 4.2 g), fat pad weights (0.95 ± 0.54 vs 1.75 ± 0.68 g), plasma glucose (77.8 ± 12.2 vs 111.0 ± 27.9 mg/dl) and insulin (0.61 ± 0.29 vs 1.46 ± 0.81 ng/ml) were significantly lower (p≤0.05) for agave nectar‐fed mice compared to sucrose‐fed mice, respectively. No significant differences in total cholesterol, triglycerides or HDL‐C were detected. These results suggest that in comparison to sucrose, agave nectar may have a positive influence on weight gain and glucose control. However, more research with a larger sample of animals and/or with human subjects is warranted.Sponsored by American Heart Association