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New Evidence from a Randomized Trial Challenges Notions Surrounding Sweeteners and Appetite
A groundbreaking randomized controlled trial challenges the prevailing notion that sweeteners increase appetite, providing strong evidence that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners does not lead to heightened hunger. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests that sweeteners may offer benefits such as reducing blood sugar levels, particularly significant for individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Led by the University of Leeds in collaboration with The Rhône-Alpes Research Center for Human Nutrition, the double-blind trial involved participants consuming food containing sweeteners, which elicited similar reductions in appetite sensations and appetite-related hormone responses as sugary foods. Moreover, the study found that sweeteners did not negatively impact appetite and may aid in sugar reduction, contrary to previous conflicting reports.
Catherine Gibbons, Associate Professor at the University of Leeds’ School of Psychology and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of reducing sugar consumption in combating obesity-related metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. She noted that substituting sugars with sweeteners in food products is a widely employed strategy to improve nutritional profiles and reduce sugar intake.
Principal investigator Graham Finlayson, Professor of Psychobiology at the University of Leeds’ School of Psychology, highlighted the negative attention sweeteners have received in the past, contributing to public confusion regarding their safety. However, he emphasized that the study provides crucial evidence supporting the daily use of sweeteners for body weight and blood sugar control.
The trial, the first of its kind, examined the effects of consuming biscuits containing sugar, natural sugar substitute Stevia, or artificial sweetener Neotame on adults with overweight or obesity. Unlike previous studies conducted using beverages, this trial focused on solid food consumption, offering more comprehensive insights.
Participants underwent three two-week consumption periods, with each period alternating between different biscuit types. Various appetite-related parameters, including blood glucose and insulin levels, were measured before and after consumption. The results revealed that sweeteners produced similar appetite and endocrine responses as sugar, with reduced insulin and blood sugar levels observed after consuming sweetener-containing biscuits.
Professor Anne Raben, joint co-coordinator of the SWEET project at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, emphasized the importance of sweeteners in reducing added sugar intake without increasing appetite or energy consumption, supporting their usefulness in appetite, energy, and weight management.
The findings of this study challenge previous assumptions about sweeteners and appetite, providing valuable insights into their role in promoting healthier dietary choices. As sweeteners continue to be a subject of debate, further research and public education are essential to elucidate their impact on overall health and well-being.
