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 sensations and energy intake at baseline, after a two-month weight loss period, and after a four-month weight loss maintenance period, including (S&SE group) or excluding S&SEs (Sugar group) in the diet. A total of 26 participants (18–65 years; BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) were recruited from the one-year randomized controlled SWEET trial. Subjective appetite sensations were measured using visual analogue scales while fasting and nine times during a 250-min postprandial period. During this period, a standardized breakfast (0–10 min) was served and, 2 h later, a test drink containing either Ace-K/Cyc or water (120–130 min) was given. After 265 min, an ad libitum test meal was served.
Results: Of 26 participants enrolled, 22 completed test day 2 and 16 completed test day 3. The S&SEs group rated lower prospective consumption and desire to eat something sweet after the test drink with Ace-K/Cyc compared to the sugar group consuming water (p < 0.05), with effects persisting after adjusting for taste. Initial differences in hunger were explained by taste palatability. This was true for all three test days. Ad libitum energy intake did not differ (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Ace-K/Cyc compared to water reduced feelings of prospective consumption and desire to eat something sweet acutely, after two months of weight loss, and after four months of weight loss maintenance. Due to the low sample size and power, larger studies are warranted to confirm these results.
Summary:
This randomised controlled trial (RCT) by Andersen et al. is a sub‑study of the EU SWEET project and aimed to investigate, in 26 adults with overweight/obesity, whether consuming a drink sweetened with acesulfame K (ace‑K) and cyclamate affects appetite and energy intake compared to water, at baseline, after a 2‑month weight‑loss period, and after a 6‑month weight‑maintenance period.
The LNCS group reported a lower desire to eat something sweet and lower prospective food consumption after the ace‑K/cyclamate test drink compared to the control group consuming water, with effects persisting over time and after adjustment for taste. There were no significant differences in actual energy intake between groups at any time point.
Overall, the findings suggest that these sweeteners do not increase appetite or food intake and may even modestly reduce sweet cravings; however, the small sample size limits firm conclusions, and larger studies are needed to confirm the results.