Saccharin ingestion does not alter the metabolic response of regulatory and counter regulatory hormones compared to glucose ingestion – A double blind, cross-over study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Previous research has suggested a correlation between consumption of artificial sweeteners, a paradoxical increase in weight and elevated prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to assess whether consumption of artificial sweeteners impacts the intrinsic hormonal profile in a different manner than consumption of sugar, thus contributing to a secondary increase in caloric consumption.Methods: A cross over, double blind research including 12 young, healthy males. Each participant was randomly assigned to drink a sweetened beverage containing either 50g glucose or 0.166g saccharin. Plasma glucose, insulin, adrenaline, noradrenalin, cortisol, leptin, dopamine, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) levels were sampled before and during the 3 hours after ingestion and dietary intake was assessed for 24 hours.Results: Plasma glucose and insulin levels were significantly higher, after ingestion of the glucose beverage compared to the artificially sweetened beverage. Plasma GH and noradrenaline levels were higher 180 minutes post glucose ingestion. No significant differences were found in the plasma levels of cortisol, leptin, IGF-1 adrenaline and dopamine, following glucose or saccharin ingestion. There was no difference in the 24 hours intake of total calories, carbohydrates, fat and protein. Conclusion: Consumption of a beverage containing saccharin was followed by a difference in glucose and insulin levels compared to glucose ingestion. No differences in other regulatory hormonal responses as well as in the 24h dietary consumption were noted. Larger prospective studies are required to evaluate the influence of artificial sweeteners on the risk of developing obesity and metabolic complications.