Long-term effect of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers on gene expression markers of adipose tissue function, adipocyte morphology, and metabolic health: a SWEET substudy
Abstract: Background/Objectives: We investigated the effects of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) in replacement of sugar on gene expression markers of adipose tissue (AT) function, adipocyte morphology, and metabolic health in adults during weight maintenance (WM) following weight loss (WL). Subjects/Methods: As part of a randomized controlled trial (European SWEET-project), 83 adults were enrolled in […]
Artificially Sweetened and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and Risk of Liver Cancer
Abstract Importance: Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are widely consumed worldwide and have been linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are established risk factors associated with liver cancer. However, prospective evidence examining beverage consumption and liver cancer subtypes remains limited and inconsistent. Objective: To examine associations between ASB […]
Artificial and Other Non-Nutritive Sweeteners, the Microbiome, and Cardiometabolic Health
Abstract Purpose of review In this narrative review complemented by a novel meta-analysis, we critically analyzed current scientific evidence from RCTs and cohort studies regarding the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) on cardiometabolic health, and assessed the interplay with the gut microbiome as a potential mechanistic pathway. We focused on the question of direct physiological […]
Low/no calorie sweeteners and health: unravelling the evidence and controversy
Abstract: Low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) (also referred to as non-nutritive sweeteners) have been the subject of controversy, especially considering recent conditional recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) not to use LNCS as a means of controlling weight and disease risk reduction. We summarize the data presented and discussions held between a panel of […]
The use (and misuse) of nonnutritive sweeteners in studies of sugar appetite and reward in rodents
Abstract: Dietary sugars are highly attractive and promote eating and, in some cases, overeating and obesity. In addition to sweet taste, sugars have postoral actions that activate brain reward circuits that further enhance sugar appetite and consumption. Nonnutritive sweeteners (NNSs) share the sweet taste but not the postoral appetition actions of sugars. NNSs are a […]
Effects of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners and Sweet Taste Exposure on Weight Management, Biomarkers of Health and Sweet Taste Preference—A Review of the Evidence from Recent European Consortia Studies
Abstract: Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) are consumed to reduce intake by providing a sweet taste with little to no energy. Despite regulatory approval and extensive use, uncertainty remains about their long-term role in weight management and health, and about whether exposure to sweet taste itself, independent of energy, influences these outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes evidence […]
Exposure to low-sweet snacks and caregiver nutritional and dental health education lowered children’s added sugar intake: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract Background: Children consume more added sugar than recommended, with snacks a major source. Objectives: To determine the effects of repeated exposure to lower-sugar snacks, combined with caregiver education, on children’s added sugar intake, acceptance of lower-sweetness foods, and sweet preferences. Methods: In a 4-month randomized trial with 1-month follow-up, 70 preschooler-caregiver dyads were assigned […]
Barriers and facilitators to dietary change while aiming to reduce free sugar intakes: framework analysis based on intervention, time for change, and success at 12 weeks
Abstract This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to reducing free sugar intakes while participants were in the process of attempting to do this. Sixty-two adults with free sugar intakes >5% total energy intake; participants in a randomised controlled trial examining the effects of three different dietary recommendations versus control for reducing free sugar […]
Prolonged Effects of Sweeteners and Sweetness Enhancers on Postprandial Appetite Sensations, Palatability, and Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Humans: A SWEET Sub-Study
Abstract Background/Objectives: Sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) have been proposed to potentially impair appetite regulation by stimulating sweet taste receptors beyond the perception of sweetness, similar to caloric sweeteners. The evidence is, however, not clear. Methods: This sub-study investigated the acute effects of a mixture of acesulfame potassium and cyclamate (Ace-K/Cyc) versus water on postprandial appetite […]
Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Weight Change: Findings from Three Prospective Cohort Studies of U.S. Adults
Abstract Background: Whether habitually consuming artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) in place of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with weight changes is unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the association of increasing ASBs or water, as SSBs replacements, with changes in weight/body mass index (BMI). Methods: We analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS II, and […]