FYI Health Tip
Artificial sweeteners may be low in calories, but they could make you gain weight anyway.
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Wouldn’t it be nice if a zero-calorie sweetener could sweeten your food or drink and reduce your hunger and keep your blood sugar steady? Researchers from London recently conducted a study to see if sucralose might be able to do just that…but without success.
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Loading ...Prior research had shown that sucralose, when interacting with cells in the intestine, produced a hormone that reduces blood sugar and decreases appetite. Researchers were hopeful they would find orally ingested suclarose to have the same results. Unfortunately, when taken as part of a drink, it did not have the same effect. Hunger remained the same and the blood sugar remained the same.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener most commonly found as Splenda. With obesity taking hold of people all over the world, artificial sweeteners are helpful at lowering the caloric intake of sweet foods and drinks. It would be great news if they were also helpful at reducing appetite. Alas, the answer to that question was no. Worse, other research has shown that artificial sweeteners might contribute to weight gain. As nutritionist Tamara Duker Freuman explains, “because this sweet taste is not accompanied by the calories (energy) our brain expects it to be, the complex systems our bodies have to regulate energy balance may be thrown off kilter. The result is that a diet high in artificial sweeteners may possibly, over time, cause people to seek out more calories from other sources in order to satisfy the cravings that sweet—but calorically empty– foods create.”
Although this study found that sucralose did not affect blood sugar or appetite, it’s important to keep in mind that it was conducted on a very small and specific sample size. There were only eight participants, 22 to 27 years of age, who were all at a healthy body weight. More research should be conducted to see if it has a different effect on an overweight or obese population with a wider age range.
Either way, though sucralose may not be the answer, but loading up on suger is definitely not the answer. Sugar is high in calories and will definitely spike your blood sugar levels.
The supporting research
Sucralose Not Effective for Weight Loss
Summary
Sucralose is a low calorie sweetener, which when interacting with L cells of the intestine, brings on the release of a hormone called Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), which helps to reduce blood sugar. This study was undertaken to see if there is a similar effect when sucralose is given by mouth to humans. Additionally, levels of insulin and appetite were also measured. Results showed that giving sucralose does not increase release of GLP-1 or insulin and does not decrease appetite.
Introduction
It is known that the intestine releases hormones like GLP-1 and peptide YY (PYY). Studies have successfully shown that release of these hormones from the gut leads to an increase in the glucose regulating hormone, insulin and decreases appetite. “One proposed factor in the increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is an increased consumption of processed foods containing high levels of sucrose and fructose. To offset this, the food industry has attempted to replace sugars with artificial sweeteners,” state the reseachers. Sucralose is a commonly used artificial sweetener. This study was undertaken to see if sucralose aids in release of GLP-1 and PYY, and thereby helps people who are at a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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I agree! This article makes it sound like news but there is no news here, only personal opinion, and... it is my opinion that the opinion of nutritionist Tamara Duker Freuman is baloney! I use splenda because it is a sweetener without calories. I do not go search for additional calories because I used splenda. Also, splenda does not raise blood sugar. That in and of itself is a benefit. Because it does not 'lower' blood sugar is irrelevant.
I an M.D searching information to share with my patients in order to guide them in what is good or what is bad for them, but with inconclusive studies like this, with only 8 healthy participants and publish as a real truth and even worst, repeated by recognized physicians as Dr. Mercola makes us wondering about the hide interest behind the intentions of the publication. I highly suggest that if you do not have something real to share, at least do not create more confusion with the ultimate result of completely discredit of the medical community. Statistic value must be considered on a scientific publication is made, and a protocol with ONLY 8 participants do not offer ANY VALUE. Please RESPECT the readers
8 subjects?? That is hardly conclusive, and would be peer-reviewed as a study abysmally lacking in certainty. This story is very much akin to the artificial sweeteners--bold flavor, but absolutely empty of substance. Shame on you, Erica Giovinazzo, and shame on you, FYI Living.
