Use Of Nonnutritive Sweeteners Research Articles

Consumption of the Non-Nutritive Sweetener Stevia for 12 Weeks Does Not Alter the Composition of the Human Gut Microbiota.

The use of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) as an alternative to caloric sugars has increased in recent years. Stevia is an NNS that has demonstrated beneficial effects on appetite and energy intake. However, the impact on the gut microbiota is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated how regular consumption of stevia, for up to 12 weeks, impacts the human gut microbiota. Healthy subjects with a normal body mass index participated in our study; the stevia group (n = 14) was asked to consume five drops of stevia twice daily, compared to control participants (n = 13). Faecal samples collected before and after treatment were analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Stevia did not cause significant changes in the alpha or beta diversity when compared to the control groups. When the relative abundances of taxa were investigated, no clear differences were detected. Conversely, a random forest analysis correctly associated the gut microbiome with the control and stevia groups with an average of 75% accuracy, suggesting that there are intrinsic patterns that could discriminate between control and stevia use. However, large-scale changes in the gut microbiota were not apparent in this study, and, therefore, our data suggest that stevia does not significantly impact the gut microbiota.

Effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on insulin regulation, glycemic response, appetite and weight management: a systematic review

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to collect and assess the evidence available on the effect of non nutritive sweeteners on appetite, weight and glycemic regulation. As a replacement for sugars, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are widely being used in different food products with the assumption that these would lower calorie intake and help to manage weight and blood sugar levels better. However, studies using animal models have reported that chronic exposure to NNSs leads to increased food consumption, weight gain and insulin resistance.Design/methodology/approachEvidence was acquired from systematic reviews or meta-analyses (2016–2021) of relevant clinical studies, especially randomized control trials using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.FindingsThe review showed NNSs exposure did not conclusively induce increased food intake or change in subjective appetite ratings. Appetite biomarkers like ghrelin, gastric inhibitory peptide, C-peptide levels and Peptide YY remained mostly unaffected by NNSs. Meta-analyses of human randomized control studies showed a reduced energy intake and body weight. No significant change was seen in blood glucose levels, post-prandial glycemic or insulin response after consumption of NNSs. Adequate evidence is not available to conclusively say that NNSs influence gut health at doses relevant to human use.Research limitations/implicationsMost studies which are prospective cohort, observational and cross-sectional studies suggest that use of NNSs may promote obesity and metabolic syndrome in adults. Such studies are plagued by confounding variables and reverse causation. Mechanistic evidence is mostly based on in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The same causal pathways may not be operative or relevant in humans.Practical implicationsThis review of available literature concludes that to achieve specific public health and clinical goals, the safe use of NNSs for the reduction of intakes of free sugars and energy should be explored. This would be possible by educating the consumer about energy compensation and understanding the nutritional content of artificially sweetened products in terms of calories coming from fat and complex carbohydrates used in the product.Originality/valueThis study was, thus, designed with the objective of examining the usefulness of NNSs in human population, especially with respect to insulin regulation, glycemic control and weight management. Well-designed randomized control trials which control for confounding variables are needed to generate high quality evidence.

Non-nutritive sweeteners: consumer awareness and inclusion in food and beverage products in South Africa

Background: The widespread use of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) in the food and beverage industry has become a global trend. Objective: A study was undertaken to assess the level of awareness of South Africans of NNSs and to create a scientific product database of NNSs in a sample of packaged products in South Africa. Design: A cross-sectional survey design was chosen. Setting: The study was carried out online in South Africa . Subjects: The study participants were South African adults (n = 388). Outcome measures: A consumer awareness survey on NNSs and a scientific product database were created to identify products formulated with NNSs. Results: A large proportion of participants were unfamiliar with most NNSs by name; however, a significant 61% (n = 238) (p < 0.001) of participants were most aware of xylitol, and 45% (n = 174) were aware of aspartame. Despite this, a significant number of participants consumed products labelled ‘sugar-free’ and/or ‘diet’ (p < 0.001). Participants were aware of health concerns and health benefits associated with the consumption of NNSs. A scientific product database consisting of 419 products containing NNSs was created during the study. A combination of NNSs was used in the formulations of 65% (n = 273) of the products, while 35% (n = 146) of the products were formulated with a single NNS. Conclusion: The outcome of this research highlights key consumer insights into NNSs and their widespread use in product formulations in South Africa. The outcome of this study shows the need for continuous monitoring of the effects of the increasing use of NNSs in product formulation and their impact on health and diet. Consumer education would advance consumer awareness of NNSs.

1621-P: Commercially Available Stevia-Based Sweetener, Antidiabetic or Toxic—An Ad Libitum Feeding Study in a Type 2 Diabetes Model of Rat

The use of non-nutritive sweeteners as sugar substitutes by overweight, obese and diabetic individuals has been increased rapidly in recent years, when Stevia is the most popular one not only due to its natural source of origin but also for it antidiabetic potential. However, the effects commercially available stevia-based NNS are not investigated at all. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of ad libitum consumption of commercially available stevia-based non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) in an experimentally-induced rat model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, namely: Normal Control (NC), Diabetic Control (DBC) and Diabetic Stevia (DSTV). T2D was induced in the DBC and DSTV groups only. The control groups were received normal drinking water, whilst rats in the DSTV group were administered with stevia-containing NNS solution, at a concentration equivalent to the sweetness of 10% sucrose. After 13 week intervention, although food and fluid intake, body weight, weekly blood glucose, glucose tolerance, serum insulin, fructosamine, ALT, ALP, creatinine and brain, liver and pancreatic histopathology were not significantly affected; serum AST, LDH and CK-MB as well as heart and kidney histopathology were significantly deteriorated in stevia-based NNS consuming group compared to the DBC group. The data of this study suggest that uncontrolled consumption of stevia-based NNS has no significant antidiabetic effect but have some toxicological effects in an animal model of T2D. Hence, diabetic patients consuming stevia-based NNS should limit their daily intake. Disclosure S. Islam: None. S.N. Dlamini: None. Funding South African Sugar Association (Project 233)

Maternal consumption and perinatal exposure to non-nutritive sweeteners: should we be concerned?

The context for this review is the rapid increase in the use of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) instead of sugar in foods and beverages, a situation so prevalent in some countries that consumers are finding it increasingly challenging to access foods without NNSs. The benefits of consuming NNSs on obesity and diabetes are now being questioned, and studies have shown that they may exert physiological activities, sometimes independently of sweet taste receptor stimulation. Few studies, limited mainly to North American and European countries, have described the consumption of NNSs by pregnant or lactating women and infants. Most focus on beverages rather than foods, but all agree that consumption levels have increased dramatically. Although some studies report a negative impact of NNSs on the risk of preterm birth, increased birth weight and decreased gestational age, the level of evidence is low. Several studies have also reported increased weight gain in infancy, associated with maternal NNS intake. Interestingly, several NNSs have been detected in amniotic fluid and breast milk, usually (but not always) at concentrations below their established detection limit in humans. Unfortunately, the impact of chronic exposure of the fetus/infant to low levels of multiple NNSs is unknown. In conclusion, there is a stark contrast between the galloping increase in the consumption of NNSs and the small number of studies evaluating their impact in at-risk groups such as pregnant and lactating women and infants. Clearly, more studies are needed, especially in Latin America and Asia, to fill these gaps and update recommendations.

Effect of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota.

The human gut microbiota, a complex community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, consists of more than 1500 species distributed in more than 50 different phyla, with 99% of bacteria coming from about 30-40 species. The colon alone, which contains the largest population of the diverse human microbiota, can harbor up to 100 trillion bacteria. The gut microbiota is essential in maintaining normal gut physiology and health. Therefore, its disruption in humans is often associated with various pathological conditions. Different factors can influence the composition and function of the gut microbiota, including host genetics, age, antibiotic treatments, environment, and diet. The diet has a marked effect, impacting the gut microbiota composition, beneficially or detrimentally, by altering some bacterial species and adjusting the metabolites produced in the gut environment. With the widespread use of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) in the diet, recent investigations have focused on their effect on the gut microbiota as a mediator of the potential impact generated by gastrointestinal-related disturbances, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and inflammation. We summarized the results from pre-clinical and clinical studies published over the last ten years that examined the single effects of the most consumed NNS: aspartame, acesulfame-K, sucralose, and saccharin. Pre-clinical studies have given conflicting results for various reasons, including the administration method and the differences in metabolism of the same NNS among the different animal species. A dysbiotic effect of NNS was observed in some human trials, but many other randomized controlled trials reported a lack of significant impacts on gut microbiota composition. These studies differed in the number of subjects involved, their dietary habits, and their lifestyle; all factors related to the baseline composition of gut microbiota and their response to NNS. The scientific community still has no unanimous consensus on the appropriate outcomes and biomarkers that can accurately define the effects of NNS on the gut microbiota.

Impact of acute consumption of beverages containing plant-based or alternative sweetener blends on postprandial appetite, food intake, metabolism, and gastro-intestinal symptoms: Results of the SWEET beverages trial

Project SWEET examined the barriers and facilitators to the use of non-nutritive sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (hereafter “S&SE”) alongside potential risks/benefits for health and sustainability. The Beverages trial was a double-blind multi-centre, randomised crossover trial within SWEET evaluating the acute impact of three S&SE blends (plant-based and alternatives) vs. a sucrose control on glycaemic response, food intake, appetite sensations and safety after a carbohydrate-rich breakfast meal. The blends were: mogroside V and stevia RebM; stevia RebA and thaumatin; and sucralose and acesulfame-potassium (ace-K). At each 4 h visit, 60 healthy volunteers (53% male; all with overweight/obesity) consumed a 330 mL beverage with either an S&SE blend (0 kJ) or 8% sucrose (26 g, 442 kJ), shortly followed by a standardised breakfast (∼2600 or 1800 kJ with 77 or 51 g carbohydrates, depending on sex). All blends reduced the 2-h incremental area-under-the-curve (iAUC) for blood insulin (p < 0.001 in mixed-effects models), while the stevia RebA and sucralose blends reduced the glucose iAUC (p < 0.05) compared with sucrose. Post-prandial levels of triglycerides plus hepatic transaminases did not differ across conditions (p > 0.05 for all). Compared with sucrose, there was a 3% increase in LDL-cholesterol after stevia RebA-thaumatin (p < 0.001 in adjusted models); and a 2% decrease in HDL-cholesterol after sucralose-ace-K (p < 0.01). There was an impact of blend on fullness and desire to eat ratings (both p < 0.05) and sucralose-acesulfame K induced higher prospective intake vs sucrose (p < 0.001 in adjusted models), but changes were of a small magnitude and did not translate into energy intake differences over the next 24 h. Gastro-intestinal symptoms for all beverages were mostly mild. In general, responses to a carbohydrate-rich meal following consumption of S&SE blends with stevia or sucralose were similar to sucrose.

Environmental life cycle assessment of production of the high intensity sweetener steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana leaf grown in Europe: The SWEET project

PurposeThere is an increasing interest in the use of non-nutritive sweeteners to replace added sugar in food and beverage products for reasons of improving consumer health. Much work has been done to understand safety of sweeteners, but very little on sustainability. To address that gap, this study presents the results of a life cycle assessment (LCA) of production of rebaudioside A 60%, 95% pure (RA60) steviol glycoside mix from Stevia rebaudiana leaf grown in Europe.MethodsAn attributional cradle-to-factory-gate life cycle assessment was conducted on growing of stevia leaves and extraction of steviol glycosides in Europe. Primary data were used from a case study supply chain. Results are reported in impact categories from the ReCiPe 2016 (H) method, with focus given to global warming potential, freshwater eutrophication, water consumption, and land use. Impacts are expressed both in terms of production mass and sweetness equivalence, a common metric for understanding high intensity sweetener potency. Sweetness equivalence of RA60 is typically 200 to 300 times that of sugar. Comparison of environmental impact is made to sugar (sucrose) produced from both cane and beets. The research is part of the EU project SWEET (sweeteners and sweetness enhancers: impact on health, obesity, safety, and sustainability).Results and discussionGlobal warming potential for production of RA60 was found to be 20.25 kgCO2-eq/kgRA60 on a mass basis and 0.081 kgCO2-eq/kgSE on a sweetness equivalence basis. Field production of stevia leaves was found to be the main source of impact for most impact categories, and for all four focus categories. Extraction of the RA60 was the main source of impact for the others. Leaf processing and seedling propagation were minor contributors to life cycle impact. Removal of international transport from the supply chain reduced global warming potential by 18.8%. Compared with sugar on a sweetness equivalence basis, RA60 has approximately 5.7% to 10.2% the impact for global warming potential, 5.6% to 7.2% the impact for land use, and is lower across most other impact categories.ConclusionThis is the first LCA of steviol glycoside mix RA60 produced from leaf in Europe. The results indicate that RA60 can be used to reduce environmental impact of providing a sweet taste by replacing sugar across all impact categories. However, it is important to note that specific formulations in which RA60 is used will have a bearing on the final environmental impact of any food or beverage products. For solid foods, this requires further research.

Association between non-nutritive sweetener consumption and liver enzyme levels in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

The use of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) is dramatically increasing in food commodities, and their effects on biochemical parameters have been the subject of great controversy. Liver enzymes as markers of liver injury may be helpful measures of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest their associations with NNSs are contentious. The current study was designed to provide a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs studying the consequences of NNS consumption on ALT, AST, and GGT concentrations (ie, the 3 main liver enzymes in adults). Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies up to April 2021, with no time and language limitations. Two independent researchers extracted information from qualified studies, and a third researcher rechecked it. Of 3212 studies, 10 studies that enrolled a total of 854 volunteers were included. A random-effects or fixed-effects model was utilized to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and quantified using the I2 statistic. The pooled results demonstrated that, compared with control groups, NNS intake led to nonsignificant reductions in ALT (WMD: -.78, 95% CI: -2.14, .57, P = .25) and GGT (WMD: -.21, 95% CI: -1.46, 1.04, P = .74). Also, a small nonsignificant increasing effect on AST level was found (WMD: .02, 95% CI: -1.26, 1.30, P = .97). NNS significantly reduced AST levels in type 2 diabetes patients when subgroup analyses were performed. Also, in trials with ≥24-week intervention or studies that utilized stevioside for intervention, a significant reducing effect on ALT level was observed. The results of this study showed that NNS intake has no significant effect on liver enzyme levels in adults. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021250067.

Reformulation of Top-Selling Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods and Beverages in the Peruvian Food Supply after Front-of-Package Warning Label Policy.

Front-of-package warning label (FOPWL) policies incentivize the food industry to reduce the content of regulated nutrients in products. We explored changes in the content of nutrients of concern (sugar, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium) and the percentage of products in the Peruvian food supply that would carry a FOPWL before and after Peru’s implementation of FOPWLs. Longitudinal data on the top-selling foods and beverages (n = 94) were collected at three time points: three months before the implementation of the policy, four months after, and two years after. Using the nutritional information declared on products’ labels, we compared quantities of nutrients of concern and the percentage of foods that would carry a FOPWL at each time point. Between the first and the third data collection, a decrease in the median sugar content of beverages was observed (from 9.0 to 5.9 g/100 mL, p = 0.005), accompanied by an increase in the use of nonnutritive sweeteners. This change drove the reduction of the percentage of beverages that would carry a FOPWL (from 59 to 31%, p = 0.011). Among foods, decreases were observed in saturated fat (from 6.7 to 5.9 g/100 g, p = 0.002). The percentage of foods that would carry a FOPWL according to their nutritional profile declined from before to after implementation of the policy (from 82 to 62%, p < 0.001). The study shows that the industry reformulated products in Peru after implementation of its FOPWL policy.

Artificial Sweeteners Perturbed Liver Enzymes in Rat Model

In the recent time there has been an increased demand of low-fat or low calorie diet universally. In the mean while the availability of low calorie products has also increased like sugar free drinks, beverages, biscuits, jams and jellies. On contrary to this, some studies suggest that the prolong use of non-nutritive sweeteners alters the homeostasis of glucose and insulin. It results in fluctuation of glucose level in blood and increase in bodyweight. This study intends to evaluate the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on the liver function test and record the alteration in the levels of ALP, AST and ALT. Seventy rats were divided into seven equal groups, controlled group received distilled water and the rest six were given NNS Sucrose, Stevia, Sucralose, Saccharine Aspartame and Acesulfame-k, respectively. On the evaluation of Alanine aminotransferase ALT, saccharine and aspartame markedly increased the level of ALT from 40U/L to 80 U/L. Both of these NNS have shown the most raised level of Alanine aminotransferase. This represents the stress on the liver associated with the use of NNS and suggests the use to be controlled in humans.

Global trends in added sugars and non-nutritive sweetener use in the packaged food supply: drivers and implications for public health.

The health implications of excessive added sugar intakes have led to national policy actions to limit their consumption. Subsequently, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) may be used to maintain product sweetness. We aimed to assess trends in quantities of added sugars and NNS sold in packaged food and beverages worldwide, and the association between these trends and the number of national policy actions across regions to reduce added sugar consumption. (i) Longitudinal analysis of Euromonitor sales data (2007-2019) to assess the quantity of added sugars (kg) and NNS (g) sold in packaged foods and beverages globally, across regions, and across country income categories; (ii) policy-mapping of policy actions targeting added sugar consumption globally from the NOURISHING database; and (iii) Spearman's correlations to assess the association between national policy actions across regions and changes in added sugar/NNS sales. Worldwide. Not applicable. Per capita volumes of NNS from beverage sales increased globally (36 %). Added sugars from beverage sales decreased in high-income countries (22 %) but increased in upper-middle-income countries (UMIC) and lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) (13-40 %). Added sugars from packaged food sales increased globally (9 %). Regions with more policy actions had a significant increase in NNS quantities from beverage sales (r = 0·68, P = 0·04). The sweetness of the packaged food supply (the sweetness of each NNS and added sugar, relative to sucrose, multiplied by sales volume) increased over time. The increasing use of NNS to sweeten beverages globally, and in packaged food in UMIC and LMIC, may have health and dietary implications in the future. Their use as a substitute for added sugar should be considered in public health nutrition policymaking.

Changes in the Use of Non-nutritive Sweeteners in the Chilean Food and Beverage Supply After the Implementation of the Food Labeling and Advertising Law

Reductions on the sugars content of the food supply have been described after the initial implementation Chilean Labeling Law, but it is unclear if sugars were replaced by non-caloric sweeteners (NNS). We evaluated changes in the NNSs use in foods and beverages after the initial implementation of the labeling law. We used longitudinal data on packaged foods and beverages collected in six major supermarkets and three candy distributors in Santiago, Chile, in January–February 2015/2016 and in January–February 2017. We included in the analysis beverages, dairy-based beverages, yogurts, breakfast cereals, desserts and ice creams, candies and sweet confectioneries, and sweet spreads with a market share ≥1% of their food groups (n = 999). We compared the use of any NNS, the number of different NNSs used, and the combined use of NNSs and ingredients adding sugars using non-parametric tests for matched samples. We evaluated the association between a reduction in sugars and starting NNS use in the post-implementation period using negative binomial regression. The use of any NNS increased from 37.9 to 43.6% (p < 0.001) after the law's implementation, NNSs increased among beverages, dairy-based beverages, yogurts, and desserts and ice creams (p < 0.05), driven mostly by increases in sucralose and stevia use (p < 0.05). We found that reformulated products that reduced the amount of sugars below the law's cutoff were more likely to start using an NNS in the post-implementation period (prevalence ratio: 12.1; 95%CI: 7.2–20.2; p < 0.001). Our results suggest that NNSs likely replaced sugars after the initial implementation of the law. Further analyses should explore how these changes may impact NNS consumption.

Rethinking sugar reduction in processed foods

Although the need to reduce the sugar content of processed products has been widely acknowledged, progress has been slow. So far, sugar reduction strategies have been targeted at minimizing the sensory changes associated with product reformulation, mainly through the use of non-nutritive sweeteners. However, emerging evidence has shown that we may have been following the wrong path by focusing on reducing sugar while maintaining sweetness. The aim of this review is to critically discuss sugar reduction strategies in the light of recent evidence related to consumers’ hedonic sensitivity to sugar reduction, the potential negative effects of uncoupling sweet taste from energy load, and the limited effectiveness of voluntary agreements for sugar reduction. In addition, the need to adopt a food systems approach that tackles the incentives and creates disincentives to produce and commercialize high-sugar products is stressed.

The Use of Nonnutritive Sweeteners in Children.

The prevalence of nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) in the food supply has increased over time. Not only are more children and adolescents consuming NNSs, but they are also consuming a larger quantity of NNSs in the absence of strong scientific evidence to refute or support the safety of these agents. This policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics is intended to provide the pediatric provider with a review of (1) previous steps taken for approved use of NNSs, (2) existing data regarding the safety of NNS use in the general pediatric population, (3) what is known regarding the potential benefits and/or adverse effects of NNS use in children and adolescents, (4) identified gaps in existing knowledge and potential areas of future research, and (5) suggested talking points that pediatricians may use when discussing NNS use with families.

Demonstrating cross-modal enhancement in a real food with a modified ABX test

Given widespread concerns about sugar intake and health, manufacturers are reformulating their products to help address consumer demand. One common strategy is the use of non-nutritive sweeteners; however, these may come with undesirable bitter and/or metallic side tastes or temporal profiles. One alternative sugar reduction strategy involves leveraging perceptual interactions between taste and smell. Prior work suggests that congruent aromas (appropriate for combination with sugar) can enhance sweetness when added to certain foods. However, demonstrating such enhancement psychophysically is not straight forward, as the conceptual strategy used by assessors can influence whether or not enhancement is observed. Here, a non-scaling approach was used to test for such enhancement. Two simple extensions of the ABX test (namely, matching in ABCX and ABCDX tasks) were used to demonstrate the effect of a congruent (vanilla) and incongruent (beef) aroma on sweetness perception in sweetened milk. Our data suggest both flavors were able to cause enhancement in the flavored milk samples, but enhancement effect was greater for the congruent aroma when compared to the incongruent aroma (p < 0.05). Additionally, greater enhancement was found via the modified ABX matching test, as compared to data obtained via a scaling task.

Diet-Quality and Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Non-Nutritive Sweetener Use in the Australian Population.

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) are used in the food supply to replace sugar and/or to reduce dietary energy intake. The aim of this research was to assess the consumption prevalence and food sources of NNS in the Australian population. Food group and nutrient intakes were assessed to compare diet quality of NNS consumers and non-consumers. Secondary analysis of the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, 2011/12 was conducted (n = 12,435) after identifying all NNS products consumed in the population. The proportion of participants that reported intake of NNS per day was 18.2% for adults (19+ years), and 8.5% for children (2–18 years), with the most common food sources being carbonated soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners, and yoghurt. Characteristics associated with NNS consumption in adults included being female, higher body mass index (BMI), self-reported diabetes status, and being on a weight-loss diet. For adults, NNS consumers had lower free sugar intake but energy intake did not differ from non-consumers. However, for children, no differences in free sugar or energy intake were observed between consumers and non-consumers. While these results support the use of NNS in reducing sugar intake, these data suggest compensatory increases in energy intake may occur.

Food texture and sweetener type modify sweetness perception in whey protein‐based model foods

AbstractIn an effort to formulate healthier food products, sugar is often reduced or replaced with artificial or natural non‐nutritive sweeteners. However, the removal of sucrose often changes food texture, and non‐nutritive sweeteners inherently exhibit differences in sweetness quality, onset, and overall intensity. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of texture on sweetness dose‐response profiles of whey protein solutions sweetened with sucrose, sucralose, stevia, or monk fruit extracts, and to assess temporal progression of dominant attributes. Whey protein‐based model foods with different textural properties were generated without modifying composition by varying heating time. Dose‐response power functions and iso‐sweet equivalencies were determined using magnitude estimation scaling. Temporal profiles of dominant texture, taste, and flavor attributes were evaluated using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS). A significant texture‐sweetener interaction effect was observed (p &lt; .05), where more viscous or semisolid textures required greater amounts of sweetener for iso‐sweetness. Moreover, the dose‐response slope decreased with increasing thickness for sucralose, stevia, and monk fruit‐sweetened textures. Results of TDS indicated that increased thickness prolonged the dominance of several attributes. This study shows that sugar reduction strategies are not universal; food matrix, sweetener type, and usage level need to be considered when attempting to modify texture or reduce sucrose.Practical applicationsSucrose reduction, use of nonnutritive sweeteners, and texture modification are all ways in which food manufacturers can increase the healthful quality of the food supply. However, these types of modifications can alter the overall sensory properties of a food. Texture‐taste interactions are not currently well understood, and knowledge in this area is important for designing ways to modify texture or reduce sucrose for health and enjoyment. The results of this study provide insight into texture‐taste interactions, indicating that sugar reduction or replacement strategies are not one size fits all and are likely product and sweetener‐specific.

Chronic Intake of Commercial Sweeteners Induces Changes in Feeding Behavior and Signaling Pathways Related to the Control of Appetite in BALB/c Mice.

Nonnutritive sweetener use is a common practice worldwide. Although considered safe for human consumption, accumulating evidence suggests these compounds may affect metabolic homeostasis; however, there is no consensus on the role of frequent sweetener intake in appetite and weight loss. We sought to determine whether frequent intake of commercial sweeteners induces changes in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the brain of mice, as it is involved in the regulation of appetite and body composition. We supplemented adult BALB/c mice with sucrose, steviol glycosides (SG), or sucralose, daily, for 6 weeks. After supplementation, we evaluated body composition and expression of total and phosphorylated JAK2, STAT3, and Akt, as well as SOCS3 and ObRb, in brain tissue. Our results show that frequent intake of commercial SG decreases energy intake, adiposity, and weight gain in male animals, while increasing the expression of pJAK2 and pSTAT3 in the brain, whereas sucralose increases weight gain and pJAK2 expression in females. Our results suggest that chronic intake of commercial sweeteners elicits changes in signaling pathways that have been related to the control of appetite and energy balance in vivo, which may have relevant consequences for the nutritional state and long term health of the organism.

A5312 - Assessment of Non-Nutritive Sweetener Use by Bariatric Patients

A5312 - Assessment of Non-Nutritive Sweetener Use by Bariatric Patients