A recent study has found that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not make people hungrier and can help reduce blood sugar levels. The double blind randomised controlled trial showed that consuming food with sweeteners produced a similar reduction in appetite sensations and hormone responses as sugary foods. This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of sweeteners for reducing sugar intake, particularly in people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research was led by the University of Leeds and funded by Horizon Europe, and is part of the SWEET consortium which aims to develop evidence on the benefits and risks of using sweeteners in food.
Lead author Catherine Gibbons explained that reducing sugar consumption is essential for fighting obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes. Substituting sugars with sweeteners in food products is an effective strategy to reduce sugar intake without negatively impacting taste or increasing sweet cravings. Principal investigator Graham Finlayson emphasized the importance of using sweeteners for body weight and blood sugar control, countering negative perceptions about the safety and efficacy of sweeteners.
The study, conducted at the University of Leeds and the Rhône-Alpes Research Center for Human Nutrition in France, examined the effects of consuming biscuits containing sugar, natural sugar substitute Stevia, or artificial sweetener Neotame on overweight or obese adults. Previous research has primarily focused on the effects of sweeteners in beverages rather than solid foods, making this study unique. Participants were asked to rate their appetite and food preferences before and after consuming the biscuits, with blood samples taken to measure glucose, insulin, and appetite-related hormones.
Results from the study showed that both types of sweeteners had similar effects on appetite and hormone responses as sugar, but insulin levels were reduced after consuming the sweetener-containing biscuits. This suggests that sweeteners can be a useful tool for reducing added sugar intake without causing compensatory increases in appetite or energy intake. Joint co-ordinator of the SWEET project, Professor Anne Raben, stated that the findings support the use of sweeteners for appetite, energy, and weight management.
Overall, this study provides strong evidence that sweeteners and sweetness enhancers do not negatively impact appetite and can help reduce sugar intake. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of sweeteners for weight and blood sugar control, particularly in individuals at risk of developing metabolic diseases. The findings also highlight the importance of using sweeteners as a tool for managing sugar intake and improving the nutritional profile of commercial foods and beverages. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks of using sweeteners in the context of public health and safety, obesity, and sustainability.
